Robert T. “Bob” Campbell, 85, of Litchfield, died on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at 7:45 p.m. at Carlinville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Private military services will be conducted at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Litchfield Family Funeral Service is assisting the family.
Mr. Campbell was born June 29, 1937, in Litchfield, to Thomas H. and Alice Marie (McNamara) Campbell. He married Edith L. Stoddard on Aug. 20, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Litchfield, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 20, 2021.
He went to St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1955.
Mr. Campbell was a field radio specialist and radio mechanic for the U.S. military, having served two years active duty for the U.S. Army. He was then released from active duty and returned to the National Guard of Illinois, where he completed the remaining three years of service.
In May 1959, he became a full-time firefighter for the Litchfield Fire Department. While working full-time, he started Mac’s Fire and Safety in 1964 on his days off. He and his wife, with a $100 bill, began working out of their garage in Litchfield. They started by servicing and selling fire extinguishers locally and to the surrounding areas.
Since then, Mac’s Fire and Safety outgrew two locations before moving to its current site on South Jackson St. in the mid-70s. Along with the move came the expansion of the business and they started offering a new list of products and services, including high-quality home security systems. Mac’s Fire and Safety has become a well-known name in Illinois, providing every aspect of fire safety, and has branched out to several other states as well. His children, Russ and Theresa Campbell, carry on the legacy of their parents as second generation local business owners.
Mr. Campbell retired from active firefighting in 1987 and retired from Mac’s Fire and Safety in 2000. He was also a member of the Elks and Litchfield Moose Lodge.
He is survived by his son, Russell (Susan) Campbell of Litchfield; daughter, Theresa Campbell of Litchfield; grandchildren, Lois “Katie” (Jon) Durston, Cecelia Stewart and Alia Stewart, all of Litchfield; and sister, Mary Alice Ridley of Litchfield.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.litchfieldffs.com.
