Darrell D. Campbell, Sr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning August 16, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House after a short and relentless battle against an aggressive form of leukemia. He will be remembered for his loving, generous spirit and lighthearted wit that knew how to brighten those around him. He was a resident of Belle, WV for 56 years
Born September 1, 1940, in Coal Fork, WV, Darrell was a 1959 graduate of DuPont High School. He earned a BS in Business Administration from Morris Harvey College in 1963 and an MS in Communications from WVU in 1996. Alongside his wife, Brenda Kay Campbell, he co-founded and operated Campbell Business Machines, Inc. for 50 years. He also served as President of the Association of Independent Mailing Equipment Dealers.
Mr. Campbell’s military career began in 1963 with the 130th WVANG Airlift Wing. He retired as a MSgt with the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, WV, with over 28 years of service. His leadership roles included Director of NCOAGA, Director of Area 6, President of the WV Enlisted Association (1997), instructor for the Airman Leadership School, and mentor at the Mountaineer Challenge.
A lifetime member of the Maple Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he served as the church clerk for over 60 years and also as a Deacon. He was the Treasurer of the Missionary Baptist Fellowship for nearly 20 years and a member of North Camp Gideon International. Additionally, he was a 25-year member of the Belle Lions Club International and a 50-year member of the Chelyan Masonic Lodge No. 158, as well as the Scottish and York Rites and the Beni Kedem Masonic Shrine.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren: son Darrell D. Campbell Jr. (Rachel) and grandson Alexander Dean Campbell of Cross Lanes; daughter Krista Kay Campbell and grandsons Nathan Wayne Wheeler and Jacob Thomas Wheeler of Charleston; and daughter Kaala Ann Paas (Andrew) and grandchildren Abigail Katharine Paas, Gabrielle Kay Paas, Andrew Thomas Paas, and Isabelle Ann Paas of Charleston. He is also survived by his sisters, Juanita Covert of Wooster, OH, and Dottie Jean Johnston of DeFuniak Springs, FL, in addition to a host of nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his close friend and prayer partner, Judy Miller, and special neighbors, Shelva Slack, Christine McClure, and Hunter.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Kay Campbell of 53 years in marriage, as well as his parents, Mycajah Morgan “Olie” Campbell and Charlotte Jane (Wilson), and his siblings, Peter James Campbell, John Ray Campbell, Donald Joe Campbell, Jerry Kenna Campbell, Margaret Murline Sherwood, Laura Eloise Sherwood, and Zenith Mae Ramsey.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to nephews Gene Campbell and niece Jane Barber (Matt), the CAMC Hospitalists group especially Dr. Nelson Smith and Dr. Collins Garst, and the nursing staff at both CAMC Memorial and Hubbard Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Maple Hill Missionary Baptist Church or Gideons International.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Charleston with Pastor Bobby Dearien officiating. Interment will be at 12 p.m. in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Fidler and Frame Funeral Home, Belle.
