Joseph Campbell

POCATELLO-Joseph Campbell, age 82, passed away on Thursday afternoon December 23, 2010 at a local health care facility. Joe was born on January 3, 1928 at Grays Lake, Idaho to Ruben & LaPearl (Johnson) Campbell. He was the 3rd of five children. Joe lived at a small homestead at Grays Lake until the age of five when they moved to Groveland, then they moved to Lava Hot Springs when Joe was twelve. Joe learned to operate a backhoe at a young age by practicing with one at nights after the owner was finished working for the day. He became so skilled that he could make a backhoe do anything he wanted and made it look easy. He won every competition he entered, which he enjoyed. He owned and operated an excavation company for many years and taught many young men how to operate heavy equipment. Joe later owned and operated a paving and sweeping company until his health forced him to retire. Anyone that knew Joe would remark that he was one of the hardest working person they knew. He was also a very giving and caring person, donating his hours and materials to the city of Lava Hot Springs by constructing the tennis courts at the city park, which was later named after his brother, Buddy. Joe was lucky to enjoy the last 24 years with the love of his life, Donna McInelly and her family who knew him as dad and grandpa. He leaves behind many who love and admire him. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, Mitt Campbell; his older sister, Twilla Campbell Potter; younger brother, Mark "Buddy" Campbell. he is survived by his younger sister, Leona Campbell Byington whom resides in Colombia Falls, Montana. As per Joseph's wishes, there will be no services at this time, however a celebration of his life will be held in Lava Hot Springs and will be announced in the journal in the Spring of 2011 as to the date and time.