Noah Campbell Jr.

Life Reflections

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  Psalms 23:1

Noah blessed his parents Noah Campbell Sr. and Mattie Bell Campbell on Sept 17, 1934 as their only child. On March 4 at 4:22am, at the age of 86, Noah cast his fishing rod for the last time and crossed the river to the other side.  Noah joined his parents, his wife Thornice Campbell, his daughter Yasmin K Littlejohn and his son-in-love Kenneth Lowe. 

Noah Campbell was educated in the Kansas City Kansas School District.  At the age of 18 he became employed with Armco Steel, where he retired in 1995 after 43 years of service. 

Noah Campbell acquired a master’s degree in “The Psychology of People” and “Ways of the World”.  This degree is how he became affectionately known as “Papa” Campbell. 

In July 1955 Noah “Papa” Campbell Jr. married the love of his life, Thornice M. Bibbs.  Their love for one another flourished for 57 years.  From this union five children were born.  Their children have continued to share the love their parents had for family and community. 

“Papa” Campbell was a devoted husband and father.  “Papa” loved his family.  The Campbell home was a place where everyone felt like family.  You knew when you came to the house you could find him in his chair watching TV and if not there on the fish bank. 

“Papa’s” 6’4” stature got your attention, but he was a quiet giant, strong and caring.  “Papa” was a man that took all the lessons and experiences learned in his younger years and used them to enrich the lives of others in his later years.  For those who had the privilege and pleasure to sit with Papa whether on the porch, riding in the car, on the fish bank, in the boat or on a church pew he would impart knowledge.  “Papa” believed in right and wrong, and those lines did not cross.   He did not deal with foolishness. He loved a good joke, and his laugh was contagious. One thing you knew Papa never answered the phone.  “Papa” always had words of wisdom to share.  You learned how to enjoy the quiet.  How to be at peace with yourself.  He loved sports and would give weekly updates on current events.  We all have memories of those priceless words that “Papa” would give. 

“Always get your education, get a job, keep money in your pocket and never try to be more than you are”.

“When you got plenty of money you can do plenty of things.”

– “Papa’s” Wisdom

“Papa” was baptized at Eighth Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. I.H. Henderson.  Later in life he followed his wife and children and joined Forest Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Desmond C. Lamb Sr.  “Papa” being a man that believed in work and getting things done began working in the Lord’s kingdom immediately.  “Papa” was a member of the Vacation Bible School Security Team, the Finance Committee, the Men’s Ministry, and a Church Trustee.  Papa was honored as Forest Grove’s first “Man of the Year”. 

“Everybody got money on the first of the month” – “Papa’s” Wisdom.

“Papa” got out the boat and crossed the river on March 4.  He had seen his last sunset, caught his last fish, and gave his final words of encouragement. 

“I been your age and you ain’t never been my age. - “Papa’s” Wisdom.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Standing on the banks, his beloved children and family.

Kenneth “Mike” Campbell, Brett (Debbie) Campbell, Neva Campbell-Lowe, Byron “Squeak” Campbell and a host of grandchildren, and great -grandchildren.

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