Kenneth “Kenny” Campbell, 87, of Hardin, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Calvert City Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Kenny was born on June 10, 1938, in Sikeston, Missouri, to the late Leonard Campbell and Alma Dean Atkins Campbell. Having spent the earlier part of his life in Missouri, Kenny met the love of his life, Jane Osburn, one evening at the local Drive-Inn. Even though they were just kids when they first met, over the next couple of years, their relationship would grow, and they would eventually marry and spend 68 amazing years together as husband and wife. Kenny was a hardworking man who got his start in the construction industry and went on to have a successful career, eventually forming Campbell and Son Construction. Kenny’s faith was also a big part of his life. During his time at a church in Missouri, Kenny became part of a small group of members who were learning sign language and eventually became an interpreter for the church, enabling him to share the word of God with individuals whose lives had been affected by hearing loss
Outside of work, Kenny enjoyed a variety of different interests to pass the time. From sharing coffee with his friends at the local diner in the mornings to going bowling with friends and family, or tending to his vegetable garden, Kenny always kept himself busy. He enjoyed relaxing while reading a good sci-fi book or spending time outdoors on the lake, crappie fishing. Known for his great cooking and baking skills, Kenny also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen making some of his family's favorite meals, like his famous chicken and dumplings. Above all else, Kenny loved his family deeply. He would always go out of his way to help his entire family, even if they never asked, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
Kenny is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeanettie “Jane” Osburn Campbell; his son, Kenneth James Campbell II and wife, Misty of Murray, Kentucky; his sister, Linda "Sissy" Tindall of Asheville, North Carolina; his five grandchildren, Dawn, David, Brittany, Amanda, Tripp; eight great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, David Hammon of Jackson, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Hammon; his three brothers, Richard Campbell, Jack Campbell, and Leonard “Wimpy” Campbell; one sister, Jan O'Day; and his parents, Leonard Campbell and Alma Dean Atkins Campbell.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Benton Church of Christ, 3091 Main Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.
Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Or is handling the arrangements.
The family will be holding a memorial service at Benton Church of Christ a later date.
To share a memory of leave a message for the family, please visit Kenny's Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
