Dennis Craig Campbell

            Dennis Campbell, 71, of Mountain Home, passed away at his home May 1, 2024, surrounded by family.  A service will be held at Rost Funeral Home in Mountain Home on May 20, 2024, at 11:00am, followed by burial at the Boise Veterans Cemetery at 2:00pm.

            Dennis was born October 1, 1952, in Downey, ID, the eldest child of Dean and Florence (Naef) Campbell.  His early childhood years were spent in Pocatello, ID, until his family moved to McCammon, ID.  Dennis graduated from Marsh Valley High School in 1971 and enlisted in the US Air Force in July 1972, the same year his son, Doug, was born.  He was stationed at Luke AFB, AZ, followed by Mountain Home AFB, ID.  While there, he met Karen and they married in July 1978 and he became a dad to Eric. They were then stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England; Cannon AFB, NM; Ramstein AB, Germany; and back to Mountain Home AFB, where Dennis retired from the Air Force in February 1993 as a Master Sergeant.  After his Air Force career, Dennis began his “retirement job” working for the Public Works Department of the City of Boise.  He retired from that job in October 2014.

            What Dennis enjoyed most, other than his grandkids, was playing.  And even better was playing with the grandkids.  He loved hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, flatwater kayaking, ATV riding, and just about any other outdoor activity.  He was in his element when he was providing “guidance” - helping anyone learn how to properly and safely do any of the activities he loved.  He was also pretty famous, at least within the family, for his dutch oven cooking.  He definitely had his specialties that were requested at any family gathering.

            Dennis also liked to travel, especially if it included fishing, like his annual trips to Alaska.  Dennis and Karen took full advantage of being stationed in Europe, traveling with the boys throughout western Europe.  Since retirement, Dennis and Karen were also lucky enough to go to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Iceland. What a great travel buddy!

            Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Doug and Eric (Toni); his grandchildren Devon, Tori, Jaden, Jordan, Tristan, and Haylie; his brothers, Mike (Annette) and Steve (Julia); sister, Karen (John); sister-in-law, Patty; numerous nieces and nephews; honorary son, Steve (Allyson); and honorary grandchildren, Taylor and Carter.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kurt.

            It has become obvious to his family in the past few weeks what an amazing, supportive group of friends Dennis has, most of whom he met working for the City of Boise and rafting.  Please know that his family appreciates everything you have done with him, for him, and for them.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Elmore County Sportsmen, an organization that specializes in hunting and fishing education and activities for local youth.  Address:  350 N 3rd E Unit 1296, Mountain Home, ID 83647; Email: [email protected].