Alton (Al) Brooks Campbell, III passed away on May 3, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 59. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he and his mom, dad and sister made several moves throughout the South – including Greensboro, North Carolina, Tifton, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and West Point, Georgia before settling in Chambers County, Alabama when Al was in the fourth grade until he graduated from Lanett High School in 1982. Al attended Samford University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Political Science. 

After a brief stint as a banker in Birmingham, Alabama, Al was accepted into the US Army’s flight school and graduated from basic training and officer candidate school before finishing at the top of his class at Fort Rucker in 1995. As an OH58 Delta (Kiowa Warrior) pilot and instructor pilot, Al (also known as “Rooster”) raised his hand for some of the most dangerous assignments in war-torn parts of the world during his 20- year Army career. He flew reconnaissance in the demilitarized zone of Korea and dozens of dangerous missions in Kosovo in the1990s. A two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient, Al served two tours in Iraq earning dozens of medals and commendations for his service. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 2014. 

Upon returning to the US after overseas service, Al married the love of his life, had his son and eventually settled in Colorado Springs where he lived longer than any other place in his lifetime. 

A warrior of a different battle, Al was diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago and kept up the fight through four diagnoses and seemingly endless treatments. 

Al is preceded in death by his grandparents and is survived by his wife and son. He’s also survived by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, three nephews, a niece and one great niece in addition to his wife’s family -- his mother-in-law, father-in-law, brothers-in-law, two nieces and their families. 

He leaves behind countless family and friends in Colorado, Alabama, throughout the US and around the world who will miss his big smile, his clever wit, his wise counsel, and his enduring love and kindness. 

Al will receive a full military honors interment at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be held at Peak City Church. 

For more information on the services, please request details by email at [email protected], and flowers can be sent directly to the cemetery on the day of the service (10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 809825) by contacting Wildflower Florist. 

The family has asked that memorial donations in his name can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or The Station Foundation.