Obituaries
Clarence “CJ” Campbell, of Peoria, passed away at OSF St. Francis Medical Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the age of 79.
CJ is survived by his wife Carolyn of Peoria and four children, Michele (Tom) Russell of Germantown Hills, IL, Sean (Colleen) Campbell of Tampa FL, Scott (Heather Hare) Campbell of Washburn, IL. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and his brother and best friend, Ralph “RD” (Char) Campbell of Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Shane N. Campbell of Groveland, IL in August 2021.
CJ was born on March 1, 1944 in Peoria to Ralph and Roberta (Hitchcock) Campbell. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime.
He married Carolyn (Bittner) on June 5, 1965 in Peoria, where they have lived their married life together of 57 years.
CJ explored many ventures in employment ranging from Caterpillar to restaurant management until he found his passion as a self-employed hairdresser. He was owner of CJ’s Hair Studio for 42 years retiring in 2019.
CJ was active in Peoria Civic Chorale, Cursillo-Tec Center and his church, St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Peoria. He also enjoyed volunteering at Illinois Cancer Center.
CJ’s world revolved around his faith, his family, his love for music and sharing the gift of his beautiful voice. CJ was a warm, compassionate, and loving soul who never met a stranger. He welcomed everyone into his life with a warm smile and firm handshake. He touched the lives of many and his voice will forever live on in our hearts.
A visitation will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Peoria on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 9-11 am with a funeral mass following at 11:00. Father Jeremy Freehill will officiate. Private family burial will be at later date with full military honors at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Illinois Cancer Center and Cursillo-Tec Center both of Peoria, IL.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
19
May
1010 S Louisa St
Peoria, IL 61605
Funeral Mass
19
May
1010 S Louisa St
Peoria, IL 61605
Cemetery Details
Location
3014 N Prospect Rd
Peoria, IL 61603
