- Born on: November 4, 1928
- Departed on: July 26, 2022
- Resided in: Des Moines, IA
Cromwell "Crom" Campbell
Crom Campbell of Des Moines, age 93, died on Tuesday July 26, 2022, of natural causes.
Crom was born in Des Moines, IA, on November 4, 1928, to Bowen and Maxine Campbell. He graduated from East High School and then attended Iowa State College graduating with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Crom returned to Des Moines and began his career at the family business in 1950, Campbell Heating Co. which later became Campbell Industries (established 1880). He served as CEO until 2001.
While at Iowa State he met Mary Gilbertson. They were married in 1950 and Des Moines, IA, is where they raised their three sons; Cromwell (Scott), Craig and Douglass. Crom and Mary enjoyed many travels for business and pleasure in the USA and abroad. They were avid bikers and skiers.
Crom was a commercial pilot for over 50 years and logged 9392 hours as PIC. He was also in the Navy Reserve for 32 years, rising to the rank of Captain (06), serving as Aviation Intelligence Officer in the Twin Cities, Lincoln, NE, and Kansas City, KS.
Crom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, brothers Bowen (Des Moines) and Robert (Dayton), and great-granddaughter Abigail Campbell ( Beeville, Tx.). He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Scott and Becky Campbell of Beeville, TX; Craig and Cathy Campbell of Urbandale, IA; and Douglass and Karen Campbell of Mason City, IA. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Kristina Johnson (Craig), Laura Campbell, Cromwell Campbell III (Amanda), Mary Salas (Ricardo), Travis Campbell (Nilda), Stuart Campbell (Esma), Jordan Campbell (Tchernavian), Jared Adams, Emily Adams, Grant Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell. He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Crom’s wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no funeral service.
