The Reverend Donald K. Campbell, II

The Reverend Donald K. Campbell, II

Oct 14th, 1927 - Sep 17th, 2025
  • Birth Date: Oct 14, 1927
  • Death Date: Sep 17, 2025
  • Funeral Date: Oct 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm
  • Location: Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, Little Rock AR
  • Save: Print this Obituary

Biography:

The Reverend Donald K. Campbell, II, 97, died September 17, 2025. The son of Margaret McCain and Arthur Wallace Campbell, Sr., grew up in Scott, Arkansas. After attending school at Scott, he transferred to the Little Rock public schools where he was president of the student body at Little Rock Senior High and a member of P.I.E. fraternity. He attended Yale College where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated magna cum laude, then Yale Divinity School with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, US on June 21, 1953, and then did graduate study in liturgics on a Fulbright Scholarship at St. Mary's College, University of St, Andrews, Scotland.

He was pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Crossett, Crossett, AR 1954-1961; organizing evangelist, then pastor, of Grace Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, 1961-1973; Staff Associate for Professional Development with the national office of the Presbyterian Church, US in Atlanta,1973-1981; General Pastor of the Presbytery of South Louisiana, Baton Rouge, 1981-1991; Dean of The Oasis Renewal Center, Little Rock, parttime 1989-1991, full time 1991-1995.

During his ministry some of his major interests were liturgical worship, race relations, spiritual formation, and the training and support of ministers. He was on the Board of Family Service Agency and Presbyterian Village, president of the Greater Little Rock Conference on Religion and Race, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, U.S. Permanent Theological Committee. He chaired the task force that did the original drafting of the Lord's Day Service for the Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

In retirement he helped organize and was twice president of Scott Connections, a local history organization; wrote, A Williamson Saga, a history about a former president of Davidson College who became the first Presbyterian pastor in Washington, AR; One Sermon a Year: Prayers from One Pastor's Prie-dieu, and his memoirs, Surrounded … Run.
He is predeceased by his parents, brother Art Campbell and sister Ann Campbell Payne, his son Donald K. Campbell III, and his daughters-in-law, Susan Kaufmann Campbell (Malcolm), and Andrea Eastin Campbell (Donald). He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Campbell Arnett and her husband, Steve, of Greensboro, NC; his son, A. Malcolm Campbell, of Oakland, Maine; and six grandchildren: Aaron, Andrew, Paulina, and Celeste Campbell, and Catherine and Grace Arnett.

Plans for a memorial service and visitation with the family are pending. His body having been given for medical research, at a future time will be inurned at Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas.

A memorial service will take place at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 18 at 1pm, followed by visitation with the family and friends.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, 6400 Richard B. Hardie Dr., Little Rock, AR 72207; Grace Presbyterian Church, 9301 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR 72227; Scott Connections, P.O. Box 214, Scott, AR 72142; or Presbyterian Village, 510 Brookside Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

 

Condolences(11)
David Verner
#11
Dec 25th, 2025 2:55 am
I hear from Don during Advent every year. When I didn’t hear this year, I wondered if something had happened to him. I’ve just learned of his death. Don was a good friend and treasured mentor to me for over half a century, beginning with his chairing of the committee that examined me for ordination to the ministry in Ozarks Union Presbytery in the summer of 1972. I will miss hearing from him. Such an extraordinary man!
Vernon Reinhardt Moult (Pete)
#10
Nov 19th, 2025 5:16 pm
Yesterday a family friend notified me of The Reverend’s passing. I have been removed from Little Rock many years but strangely over the past year or two I wrote to reconnect with Don. Circumstance, mixed information and age did not permit me to tell him in person what I want to say. Don was my pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church. My grandparents were early members of Second Presbyterian dating back to Hay Watson Smith and my parents, charter members of Grace Presbyterian Church (the old White Church and nursery) off Rodney Parham Road. I have so many fond memories of Sunday school and services like Easter and Christmas or just random Sundays throughout the years. I went to Sunday school with Donald who was my same age. It was a time to be together with my parents, learn in Sunday school communion with others and be at peace. We were always excited when Don was in town to speak. I can still see him in his robe with his children tagging in and out after service, greeting everyone. He had time to visit with everyone. Don was there for us when my grandparents passed and was there to be a part of and conduct their services. He was at our home in times of tragedy or just a visit on an occasional Sunday. Don was a family friend to all Grace members. But what I wished I could have told him, despite the years, is how much he influenced my life. As a teacher for 25 years and my family and religious life. Don was quite the stickler for correctness in liturgy and following the Presbytery order. But his education and desire for reforms were ahead of his time but sorely needed in Arkansas. And I might add appreciated by many of us. I’m not sure he ever knew. We live our lives as we must and time passes but we never really know how our lives often impact the lives of others. The Reverend’s ideals, messages and courage to be outspoken live on in all of us as we in turn influence the lives of others. I think Don would look kindly on us as we remember him from time to time. My past is important to me and Don was a large part of my childhood. I am forever grateful that we knew our pastor and that his light and message will live on as we too make our journey. I know love transcends death and we hope as Don told us, we continue adventure beyond this life. Those of us remaining live on in great hope. Sending love. Vernon Reinhardt Moult (Pete)
Nan Renaud
#9
Oct 17th, 2025 3:28 pm
A special man who was an important individual in my life. Will remember him with love always.
Jim McKenzie
#8
Oct 14th, 2025 5:04 pm
A good, good man. A true pastor and an inspiration to generations of those whose life he touched.
Gregg Patterson
#7
Oct 12th, 2025 2:52 pm
I met and interacted Reverend Campbell while I was the steward of the grounds that would become the Oasis Renewal Center. He possessed a kind, gentle and peaceful demeanor and always had an encouraging word.. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. And may the memories of him you hold dear bring a smile to your face.
Bill Winn
#6
Sep 28th, 2025 10:06 pm
Good bye and God speed to the Rev. Don Campbell, a true and great friend. His soul was pure and kind with forgiveness for all.
Surely he will be welcomed to the side of Jesus Christ in Heaven. Don gave a wonderful and lasting gift to my family with “A Williamson Saga”. My family is forever grateful.
Bill Winn
Great Great Grand Son of the Rev. Samuel Williamson, the principal of the Williamson Saga.
Margaret Hardin Bearden
#5
Sep 24th, 2025 11:23 am
Don was not only my grandmother's pastor at Grace Church in Little Rock when she moved to Presbyterian Village as one of the first residents, he lived next door to my mother when they both lived at Presbyterian Village. He became her best friend and confidant and brought a light to her waning years. We will be forever grateful for his devotion and friendship. Margaret
Rev. David Wells
#4
Sep 23rd, 2025 1:39 am
Don served everyone he met--a true pastor. He was always focused on the "other" more than himself.
Andrew
#3
Sep 20th, 2025 1:41 am
This passing seems quiet so the family can celebrate it. Malcom, my thoughts are with you and all of yours.
Marcia Plevin
#2
Sep 19th, 2025 8:51 pm
With blessings from his love to you and for all the lives he touched.
With Light,
Marcia
Iboo Deal Miller
#1
Sep 19th, 2025 2:05 pm
Malcolm - I saw your father's face and last name, and I knew before reading he must be your father. Your likeness to him is incredible. I am so so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Iboo

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