The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MEL F. CAMPBELL
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HON. DARIN LaHOOD
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mel F. Campbell of Chillicothe, Illinois, who passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 96.
Mel Campbell, born on August 6, 1925 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished World War II veteran who served in the United States military with the 87th Infantry Division in Europe. During his service career, Mel received a Purple Heart after receiving wounds from a grenade in 1944. After being transferred to a hospital in Nancy, France, he quickly recovered and rejoined his unit just days after sustaining his injury. Only a few months later, he received a Silver Star due to the heroic role he played in capturing German engineers who were attempting to detonate charges on a bridge to delay Allied movements. His actions allowed Mel and his Regiment to cross without delay. In addition to receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mel received three Bronze Stars during his service.
After his military service, Mel went on to be a leader and pillar of his community through his long career as a banker and his involvement in community affairs. After graduating from Muskingum College with his bachelor's degree, Mel attended the University of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Banking and pursued a career in banking where he worked for 24 years. During his tenure; Mel was the president of the Chillicothe State Bank, and then became the Secretary of the J.T. Fennel Co. Inc. prior to his retirement in 1988. He continually served others throughout the community and most notably served as a member of the Advisory Board of Heritage Manor in Chillicothe, the president of the Chillicothe Rotary Club, the president of the ``Chillicothe Development Company, the president of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member of the Pearce Community Center. Through his 36 years in the central Illinois region, Mel made many contributions to better the lives of those in his community.
Mel will be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderfui family. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, whom he was married to for 66 years, as well as his brother Richard. He was blessed with one son, Clyde, three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
I want to offer my condolences to the Campbell family and the people of Chillicothe on the loss of a great man. Mel left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(2)
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