Billie Campbell

BILLIE CAMPBELL

September 2, 1927 – January 6, 2021

ELKHART- Billie Campbell, 93, of Elkhart, died Wednesday January 6, 2021 at Eastlake Terrace in Elkhart.  He was born September 2, 1927 in Elkhart to  William Milo and Lela Lacretia (Massey) Campbell.

     On July 29, 1950 he married Jacqueline Mae “Jackie” Thorup.  She survives along with 3 daughters, Jody K. Kisel of Bonita Springs, FL, Billi Jan Campbell of Tewantin, Queensland, Australia, Jennifer L. (Tim) Ball of Bristol; a grandson, Justin (Deanna) Foster of Elkhart and 2 great-grandchildren Isla and Caden.

Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, Virgil, Dale, Ernie, Wayne , Dean and 3 sisters, Edith Schiltz, Opal Jean Siguar and Genevieve Durinski Putzey.

     Billie graduated in 1946 from Bristol High School with whom he played basketball for.  He began boxing in his early teens and was mentored and coached by his older brothers eventually boxing for the Marine Corp with numerous title bouts including Golden Glove Champion.  From high school he went to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1948 and from 1950 -1951 in Kodiak Alaska.  In his time spent in the Marines, he also served as a Golden Glove Boxer where he traveled to numerous prisons to meet his competitors. Leaving the Marine Corps he went on to being an Elkhart City Police Officer from 1955-1975.  He always loved the game of cops & robbers. Billie was one of “The Good Guys” his life was dedicated to The Thin Blue Line:  Running through the center of darkness this line honors the heros behind the badge, the good men and women who place themselves as a barrier of protection for those in need.  Night and Day their bravery serves as a light in the darkness.    Also, working evenings part time at Windsor Homes in Bristol for 18 years. He always spoke most fondly of his years of “walking the beat”.  Where his infectious smile brought him many lifelong friends.  He was a friend to all.  From there he went into the detective bureau.  After retiring from the police dept., he went onto working as a private investigator for the Prosecutors office under Michael Consentino for 27 years, retiring at the age of 75.

    After retiring from his investigating work, Billie’s biggest joy was golfing daily

with his wife Jackie of 70 years and being on the Elks Friday Mens Golf League.

    Billie and his wife traveled to numerous golf destinations through the years and quite proud of his (2) hole in one’s at the Elk’s Club!  They also loved to travel to Australia to visit their daughter Billi Jan and going to Texas and Florida to visit their daughter Jody. 

    Another joy for him was spending time with his grandson Justin, whom he was so proud of.  He loved being a grandpa and doing “grandpa and grandson” things together.  He played cards every Sunday with his brothers.  Also, playing cards with his wife and their lifelong friends.

    Also, loved fishing with friends for Coho on Lake Michigan. 

He thrived in his yard and fixing whatever was broken.  He also loved nothing more than a Friday night high school football game at Rice field, and watching his favorites on T.V.  Notre Dame, Cubs, and I.U.

His presence was infectious and will be greatly missed by his family.

      A celebration of life gathering will be held, Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m.  Services will be at 1:00 p.m., all at Walley Mills Zimmerman Funeral Home.  Burial will be after the service at  Rice Cemetery where full military and police honors will be rendered.

     Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with his care.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Elkhart FOP.

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