DES MOINES, IOWA—Veteran installer and one of the early members of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) certification team, Eugene Campell, passed away on Sept. 10 at Taylor Hospice House here. He was 79.
His wife, Nila, said Campbell died from a combination of Alzheimer’s and an “absolutely necessary” back operation. “The operation seemed to be helping, but after a few days, he started to decline. Gene always enjoyed CFI meetings and conventions and was sorry when he could no longer attend.”
CFI’s Jane Walker said, “Gene was a respected installer who later became an inspector. Our love and prayers are extended to the family.”
Born Dec. 24, 1931, Campbell grew up in Des Moines. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1952 in active duty, and then to 1960 in the reserves. In 1977, he married Nila Mae Ruhs, and the couple lived in Des Moines where he was self-employed as an installer.
Survivors include his wife, Nila; children, Monica Campbell and Martin (Julie); stepdaughters, Joleen (Robert) Karnes and Linda (Scott) Johnson; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Willard (Mary), Rodney (Joan) and Mickelynn Campbell. Campbell was preceded in death by a stepson, Steven Palmer.
The family requests memorials be directed to the American Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601.