Donald James Campbell
Donald Campbell with his wife, Betty Shears Campbell, on their wedding day, obtained from his obituary by Filbrandt Funeral Home.
On April 15, 2020, Donald James Campbell passed away in Jackson, Michigan due to COVID-19. He left behind a family full of loved ones who will miss him dearly. Donald, 76, was born on August 10, 1943 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Before his incarceration, he resided in South Haven with his wife Betty Shears Campbell and three step-children. During the Vietnam War, Donald served in the United States Army. He later found occupation in manufacturing, working for Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation and Pullman Industries.
Donald was very fond of the outdoors, and he enjoyed activities such as hunting, fishing, and gardening. A family friend fondly remembered Donald’s relationship with their father on the tribute wall of Donald’s obituary, writing, “The memories of you and my dad doing what men do will never be forgotten. I always called you the rabbit man… I’m glad to have known you and even more glad that you are at rest.” Jim and Amy Ingraham also posted a memory of Donald on the wall, saying, “[R]emembering the day Don showed up at our house with a puppy inside his jacket, a gift for our young son… RIP Don.” Donald’s obituary also featured a touching slideshow of photos taken throughout his life in which he is shown spending time with family and friends.
Donald after a successful fishing outing, obtained from his obituary by Filbrandt Funeral Home.
Donald was incarcerated at the Lakeland Correctional Facility when he contracted the virus. Of the 1,400 people incarcerated there at the time of Donald’s death, about half had chronic health issues or were elderly. In an interview with WOOD TV8 in April, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Corrections noted that many incarcerated individuals at Lakeland were “in wheelchairs,” and he described the facility as looking like “a nursing home.” About a month after Donald’s death in May of 2020, 18 Lakeland residents had died, more than in any other Michigan state prison.
Donald fell into a high-risk category, being 76 and having underlying health conditions. However, his family says he was never given the necessary care. His daughter, Monica Campbell Greer, spoke to MOL about her frustration with his treatment.
“I feel it was inhumane to treat a stage 4 emphysema and cardiac patient by a facility physician and never was taken to the hospital,” Monica said. “He never stood a chance.”
This memorial was written by MOL team member Mary John with information from reporting by Ken Kolkner of WOOD TV8, an obituary published by Filbrandt Funeral Home, and correspondence with Monica Campbell Greer.