[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E240-E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF MEL F. CAMPBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2022

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mel 
F. Campbell of Chillicothe, Illinois, who passed away on January 12, 
2022, at the age of 96.
  Mel Campbell, born on August 6, 1925 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, 
was a distinguished World War II veteran who served in the United 
States military with the 87th Infantry Division in Europe. During his 
service career, Mel received a Purple Heart after receiving wounds from 
a grenade in 1944. After being transferred to a hospital in Nancy, 
France, he quickly recovered and rejoined his unit just days after 
sustaining his injury. Only a few months later, he received a Silver 
Star due to the heroic role he played in capturing German engineers who 
were attempting to detonate charges on a bridge to delay Allied 
movements. His actions allowed Mel and his Regiment to cross without 
delay. In addition to receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mel 
received three Bronze Stars during his service.
  After his military service, Mel went on to be a leader and pillar of 
his community through his long career as a banker and his involvement 
in community affairs. After graduating from Muskingum College with his 
bachelor's degree, Mel attended the University of Wisconsin's Graduate 
School of Banking and pursued a career in banking where he worked for 
24 years. During his tenure; Mel was the president of the Chillicothe 
State Bank, and then became the Secretary of the J.T. Fennel Co. Inc. 
prior to his retirement in 1988. He continually served others 
throughout the community and most notably served as a member of the 
Advisory Board of Heritage Manor in Chillicothe, the president of the 
Chillicothe Rotary Club, the president of the ``Chillicothe Development 
Company, the president of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, and a 
charter member of the Pearce Community Center. Through his 36 years in 
the central Illinois region, Mel made many contributions to better the 
lives of those in his community.
  Mel will be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderfui 
family. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, whom he was married 
to for 66 years, as well as his brother Richard. He was blessed with 
one son, Clyde, three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
  I want to offer my condolences to the Campbell family and the people 
of Chillicothe on the loss of a great man. Mel left a lasting

[[Page E241]]

impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be 
eternal.

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