Tom Campbell

Thomas Verdell Campbell, 88, returned to his eternal companion Beverly Emma Allgood, on February 21st, 2025. Much like the ripples from the stones he taught his children and grandchildren to skip across Idaho’s waters, the impact of his life continues to touch countless shores.

Born October 5, 1936, in a humble Rigby farmhouse to Herbert Earl and Effie Bates Campbell, Tom’s indomitable spirit emerged early – surviving pneumonia by the warmth of a wood stove and his mother’s prayers. This brush with mortality, retold through his mother’s testimony of faith and divine intervention, planted seeds of faith that would bloom throughout Tom’s life, shaping his understanding of both life’s fragility and its sacred purpose.

He cherished his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gratefully served in countless callings including a full-time mission with Beverly at the historic church sites in St. George, Utah. They continued to enjoy a winter home in St. George for many years.

His love story with Beverly Emma Allgood began in the halls of Idaho Falls High School, blossoming into an extraordinary 67-year partnership, sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 25, 1954.

As the first in his family to attend college, Tom and Beverly built their dreams together through summer classes and shared sacrifices, a 16-year journey that led from a provisional teaching certificate from Ricks College, to a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, to a Master’s degree and finally an Ed.D from Utah State University in 1971. His path of service led from beloved educator to Idaho Falls City Council member, followed by 16 years as Mayor of Idaho Falls, and finally Superintendent of Bonneville School District 93 until his retirement in 1998.

Tom joins his beloved Beverly; daughter, Kenda Garriott; parents, Effie Lovina & Herbert Earl Campbell; siblings, Leila Dean Shurtliff, Arthur Lansing Campbell, Leora Jane Moir, Hattie Lavon Darling, Marvin Kay Campbell, Kenneth Earl Campbell; and three infant siblings, Elsie, Myron, and Leon.

His legacy lives on through his children and their spouses, Bruce Garriott, Debbie Moore (Brent), Shelley Campbell, and Matt Campbell (Jennifer); 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson who made his arrival just days before Tom’s passing, fulfilling his tender promise to witness five generations.

We who remain are not so much left behind as sent forward, carrying the light of his example. In every act of service, every moment of quiet integrity, every gesture of unconditional love, Tom’s spirit lives on. His greatest legacy isn’t in the buildings he helped raise or the policies he championed, but in the countless everyday moments where those who loved him choose kindness over convenience, service over self-interest, and love above all. In this way, the force that was Thomas Verdell Campbell continues to move through this world, creating ripples that will touch shores he could never have imagined, but somehow always believed in.

Funeral services, celebrating an impactful life, will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Brentwood Ward Chapel, 2040 Brentwood Drive. In keeping with Tom’s lifelong devotion to community connection, the family welcomes friends to share memories Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Tom will join Beverly in their final earthly rest at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Services will be recorded and uploaded onto Tom’s obituary page at the completion of services.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the loving, tireless caregivers at Promontory Point Rehabilitation, Brio Home Health and Hospice, and MorningStar Assisted Living.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.