Larry Chad Campbell

Larry Chad Campbell, the world’s greatest Papa, whistled his way back into the arms of our loving Savior on March 21, 2025. We imagine Papa encircled by heavenly hosts who welcomed him with a standing ovation for all the selfless service he rendered throughout his life. Chad passed away at the age of 79 in Santa Clara, Utah, surrounded by many of his family members. Chad, affectionately known as “Papa” to his children and “Chaddy” to his dear wife, was brave, cheerful, and strong, and his heart was full right up until the day he passed. His focus was always for the wellbeing of his children, but especially for his eternal sweetheart, Verlayne. Chad was born on September 7, 1945, in American Fork, Utah, to Nephi and Elaine Campbell. He was the third of six children. While in high school, Chad worked at Hinton’s Charbroiler as a cook and busboy. One day, Verlayne walked through the doors, and it was love at first sight! They dated and fell in love and married on May 29, 1964. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1967. Chad is the proud father of 9 daughters and 3 sons. He worked hard to provide for them, sometimes holding multiple jobs at a time. He worked as a manager at Deseret Industries for many years and was well-loved by all who worked with him. His grandchildren have many fond memories of visiting “Grandpa’s D.I.” and hearing about what a good boss he was. Chad and Verlayne lived in many different places in Utah, California, and Idaho during their life together. Most recently, they have loved living in St. George, Utah. Chad has made friends everywhere he went, and leaves behind many who will miss him dearly. Chad loved serving in his ward and stake in a variety of ways: In bishoprics, as a bishop twice, as a counselor in the stake presidency, and as Stake President for over 9 years. Chad and Verlayne loved completing temple work together and spent countless hours finding family names to bring to the temple. Through the years, he has found thousands of family names for children and grandchildren to take to the temple. For over 40 years, Chad was passionate for and helped with scouting, holding local and district positions. He was a much-loved instructor at Wood Badge for 10 years. In 1998 when he was course director at Wood Badge, Chad was recognized for having the largest group ever to attend. He received the Merit of Honor award in scouting from the states of Idaho, California, and Utah, as well as being a Silver Beaver recipient in 1994 for the Great Salt Lake Council. He loved sharing his knowledge of camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Some of our favorite times were spent at family reunions, sitting around the campfire and hearing Grandpa tell “Benson Tree” or “Green Weenie” stories. Chad was a big tease his whole life and always kept not only his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren laughing but also everyone he came into contact with. He was immediately loved by all who met him. He loved searching for golf balls with his family at the golf course behind his house, watching old westerns (especially John Wayne), and making homemade french fries. He loved family history, visiting old cemeteries, and adventuring with his grandchildren in his old truck down dirt roads while listening to Johnny Cash and the Everly Brothers. Papa is survived by his forever wife, Verlayne, and their twelve children: Tawnja (Jonathan) Gibson, Tracy (John) Beckett, Jennifer (Patrick) Ross, Brenda (Travis) Hansen, Koriann (Barry) Christensen, Valerie (Kory) Memmott, Karmen (Brian) Pope, Keith (Jaclyn) Campbell, Debbie (Josh) Jensen, Benjamin (Nadja) Campbell, Tiffany (Michael) George, and Joel (Kally) Campbell. He has 62 grandchildren and 61 great grandchildren, Sherry Carter (sister), Gary Campbell (brother), and Pam Reynolds (sister). He was preceded in death by his parents, Nephi and Elaine Campbell, his two younger brothers, Jim Campbell and Mel Campbell, and his granddaughter, Elisha Gibson. Like Enos, we believe our Papa met the Savior face to face and heard the words, “Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father.” Enos 1:27 To know him is to love him. Until we meet again…. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 28th at 750 East Fort Pierce Drive North, St. George, UT from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A viewing will also be held on Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. with the funeral starting at noon. Chad will be laid to rest at the Hooper, Utah Cemetery on Monday, March 31st with the dedication of the grave at noon. To join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96932063485?pwd=UP74ux2QjTVxaqHRbnPvwaoUYOfMW8.1 We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and CNAs for the wonderful care they’ve shown our Papa over the years.

Larry Chad Campbell

September 7, 1945 - March 21, 2025