Richard “Dick” Mason Campbell
July 29, 1930 – May 31, 2025
Richard “Dick” Mason Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and pastor.
A caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Dick was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and support to those closest to him. His easy nature, coupled with the wide array of experiences amassed throughout his accomplished personal and professional life will be remembered in the collection of recordings of his life and travels, but most of all by those who were fortunate enough to pass an afternoon or evening in his company listening to his stories.
Dick was an educator for over three decades at his Alma Mater and the Assistant Director of the Biomedical Engineering Center at The Ohio State University from 1967 to 1988. His contributions to research along with his practiced mentorship shaped generations of mathematicians and engineers. Upon retiring from OSU, Dick dedicated his time to Project HOPE, lending his expertise toward strengthening educational programs and training future biomedical engineers in Egypt, China, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Libya, and Turkey.
Dick was a prolific traveler. He could be found during the summer months, when the snow had melted from the mountain passes, criss-crossing the country with his family in a custom camper of his own design or hiking the western trails worn into the high country of the national parks from Glacier to Glen Canyon.
As a proud and lifelong member of The Ohio State University Marching Band, he embodied the spirit and tradition of Buckeye pride. Whether marching down the field with TBDBITL or mentoring younger musicians, his half-century dedication to the band he loved so dearly will be deeply missed by his fellow band members and fans alike.
Dick was deeply devoted to his faith as a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. He served as a deacon and volunteered frequently within the community, sharing both his time and services to anyone in need.
Above all, Dick was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 30 years, Betsy Lynch Campbell. Dick was a cherished and devout father to his children, whom he shared with his beloved late wife, Alice Heeter Campbell: Linda (Jim) Mount, Lisa (Steven) Frankel, and Mark (Christy) Campbell, who will continue to honor his memory and celebrate the impact he made during his remarkable lifetime. Dick embraced his stepchildren, offering support and inspiration: Beth Lynch (Nick LaDow), Maureen Lynch (Gavin Jewell), Erin Bonnell, and Bevin Farrand. Dick loved to be with his grandchildren: Jason (Vanessa) Mount, James (Marie) Mount, Phillip (Natasha) Mount, Ellyn (Daniel) Romes, Micah (Morgan) Frankel, Allison (Richie) Kotwica, Amanda Campbell, Sharon LaDow, Cam and Alyssa Jewell, Quinn and Willow Bonnell, Guinevere, Johnathan, and Mirastela Farrand, and great-grandchildren: Sophia and Charlotte Mount, Stella and Zoe Romes, Chase and Chandler Hayden, Christopher Clifton, and numerous extended family members.
His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the music he played, and the love he shared with family and friends.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio, 43221, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the TBDBITL Scholarship Fund in his honor. To donate go to: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/607138?fund=607138
Dick was a member of the marching band from 1949 through 1953. He played snare drum. In 1996, Dick was was voted the “Elvin Donaldson Most Inspirational Alumni Bandsperson” award.
