1925 – 2013

SOUTH PARIS — Sheldon Campbell, 87, of Canton, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 17, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1925, in Canton, a son of Ralph E. and Maude (Cummings) Campbell Sr. He attended Canton schools.

Sheldon enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 28, 1944, and served until June 14, 1946. He was sent from New York on a yard craft barge that traveled throughout the Panama Canal, on to Pearl Harbor, the Philippines and Guam. He was the last remaining officer that served on that craft. After returning home and starting a family, he returned to active duty with the Seabees on April 22, 1969, leaving his wife and seven children to serve his country again for a year. Throughout his life he always stood for those who served and was extremely proud of his own service record. A true military person at heart, he never forgot those that went before him.

He grew up on a farm with eight siblings, knowing what hard work was from a young age, having to take care of livestock before and after school. In adulthood, he maintained a love for farming in his spare time. He loved to hay on his McCormick Deering tractor and later with his John Deeres. He continued raising livestock over the years. He loved to attend animal and farm equipment auctions.

Sheldon worked at Oxford Paper Company in maintenance, retiring after 41 years.

Some of his favorite moments were the Sundays he and his wife would take off on unknown adventures, ending up on a farm somewhere to visit. Other favorite times were watching his children with their horses and ponies. He also enjoyed family celebrations and holidays.

He is survived by his wife, Norma J. (Davis) Campbell of Canton, whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage to on Oct. 18, 2012; his children, Sheryl Campbell and Peter Hines of Bowdoinham, Marcia (Campbell) Cummings and her husband, Rick, of South Paris, Maria Amero of Turner, Jacalyn Whittemore of Connecticut and Cindy Holland of Canton; son-in-law, Mark Blanchette of Canton; brother, Neil Campbell of Canton; grandchildren, Steven Campbell, David Hutchins, Marc-Eric and Matthew Amero, Jason Holland, Dawn Daigle, Darcy Holland, Scotty and Ashley Whittemore, Amber and Amanda Evans, Shandi Averill and Briann and Samantha Blanchette; and great-grandchildren, Dominique and Kelsey Hutchins, Cameron Amero, Aubury and Colton Daigle, Tristen Whittemore, Connor, Gracie, Colby and Madelyn Averill.

He was predeceased by two children, Cheri Blanchette and Sherwood Campbell; a granddaughter, Sarah Bragg; and siblings, Eleanor, Annie, Marguerite, Polly, Ralph, Frank and Carlton.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Sheldon’s family and friends at www.wilesrc.com.

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