Earl Campbell

Madison – Earl “PopPop” Campbell passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. Earl was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 8, 1922, to parents Gibert Campbell and Sadie Smith, both of Terrebonne Parish (Houma/Mechanicville/Chauvin, Louisiana.

For many years, Earl and his mother lived in New Orleans in the Magnolia Apartments. In 1943, Earl enlisted in the Army -Air Corps. During this time, Earl became engaged to Catherine “Cat” Wells of Bogalusa, Louisiana.  After three years of military service, Earl received an honorable discharge and joined Cat in New Jersey where she had moved to be with her two brothers. Earl and Cat were married in 1946. They lived on Sterling Street in East Orange and other locations before settling in Newark.

After his military service, Earl took advantage of many veteran trainings.  This included classes in tailoring and automobile repair. He was also a short-order cook at Pals Cabin, a dining establishment in the area. In 1954, Earl began employment with Ford Motor Company in Metuchen, New Jersey where he worked on the assembly line until his retirement in 1982.  After retirement, Earl continued doing auto body repair at his home.

Earl and Cat raised two daughters, Nancy and Earlene. Earl was a loving and doting father. He worked hard but still made time for his daughters. They have memories of ice skating at Orange Park or Branch Brook Park, buying block ice to churn the ice cream maker, and picnics at Eagle Rock Park and Lake Hopatcong. After church Earl would frequently buy the girls milk shakes from a soda fountain shop or a hot dog from the cart hot dog man (not a sanitary favorite of Cat’s). But Earl’s recreational passion was bowling; he often took his daughters. In earlier years, his teams were so good, they would travel to other states for tournaments.

Cat passed away in 1992.  Soon afterwards, Earl returned to Chauvin, Louisiana to be with his mother. After her death in 1998, Earl remained in Chauvin and continued to cultivate a life with friends and family.  Of course, this included bowling, usually at Creole Lanes (His last chance to bowl was at the age of 93). He also continued with his auto body repair.  Earl enjoyed fishing in the bayou across from his home. Cooking gumbo and crawfish were two of his specialties.  He saved any scraps of food to feed the stray cats that were regular visitors to his back yard. Earl could fix anything, and duct tape was a regular “tool.”  Earl had little formal education, but he was truly a lifelong learner. He was incredibly curious and creative, and a problem solver. He also had a heart to help and encourage others, regardless of their past or reputation

In 2028 after visiting his daughter, Nancy, and her family in Wisconsin, Earl decided to stay. Over the eight years he was there, he had two opportunities to visit his other daughter, Earlene, and her family in North Carolina. Coming to Wisconsin gave Earl a safe and loving place to live out his final years. He will be missed ever so dearly by many who knew him personally as well as those who heard sweet tales about him.  

Earl’s four grandchildren and seven great grands were a joy to him.  Sadly, he never met his one great-great grandchild who was born two years before his death.

Earl leaves behind: brother, John Campbell; daughters Nancy Evans, Earlene Coleman (Anthony); grandchildren, Sadiqa Reid (Antoine); Walter Wright; Jessica Kendall (Kevin); Allison Evans; great-grandchildren Demerria Grice; Makayla Walker; Amir Reid; Anaya Reid; Zion Reid; Olivia Kendall; Ruby Kendall; great-great grandchild Zaiya Bell; and a host of  loving friends and family in Houma/Chauvin, Louisiana; Madison, Wisconsin; New Jersey, and other parts of the country.

Earl was preceded in death by wife, Catherine Wells Campbell; mother, Sadie Smith Hockett; father, Gilbert Campbell; bothers-in-law Wilbert Wells, Charles Wells, sisters-in-law, Ida Wells, Odessa Wells; infant son Earl Campbell Jr. As the patriarch of the Campbell Family, Earl now joins those ancestors who have left before him.

“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” African Proverb

A private family service will be held. A celebration of Earl’s life will take place later.

The family extends sincere, heart-felt thanks to:

Agrace HospiceCare/Nurses/Volunteers; the staff at Sage Meadow/Hattie’s Bay Memory Care; MyChoice-Wisconsin; UW Health OT/PT and Dr. Michelle Malloy; Aging and Disability Resource Center; Staff at Oak Park Place

To view this obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257