Dave Campen, age 80, of Gallatin, Tennessee, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2026, with his loving wife, Bonnie, by his side.

Dave was born on October 6, 1945, in Manchester, Tennessee.

As a young man, Dave served in the United States Army for two years during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in business management.

He retired from Firestone after many years of training employees. Retirement allowed Dave and Bonnie to create many treasured memories traveling together. Such as their Alaskan cruise, a fall tour of New England, and venturing waterfalls. Dave had a deep appreciation of nature and spent countless hours in his yard. He gardened beautiful flowers and enjoyed caring for plants, as well as bird watching.

Dave loved the Lord and was a dedicated member and deacon of Faith Church, of Gallatin. Dave actively served in the church promoting strong fellowship and encouragement of others. He spent many Sunday mornings as a greeter and he was previously a children’s Sunday school teacher along with his wife  

One of Dave’s guiding principles in his life was to make every effort to fix or repair what was broken, instead of throwing it away. This was more than a skill he possessed; this attitude allowed him to grow in his journey of life.

Dave will be remembered for his kind heart, charming sense of humor, and his famous one-liner, “Swell.”

Although he will be deeply missed, his family takes peace in that one day they will be reunited.

David Thomas Campen will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 40 years, Bonnie Campen; children, Robert D. Adkins (Traci) of Westmoreland, TN, John D. Adkins of Gallatin, TN, Julie D. Dolympio (Angelo) of Winter Garden, FL; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Penny Sieben (Bob) of Belleville, IL, Hunter Bodkins (Keith) of Belleview, IL; and brother, Richard Campen of Freeburg, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Campen; mother, Betty Sue Hall (Marvin); and baby brother, Toby Campen.

A celebration of life in honor of Dave Campen will take place at Faith Church (located 639 S. Water Ave., Gallatin, TN, 37066), on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 P.M., officiated by Pastor Chris Rouse. Visitation will be held one hour prior of the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Inurnment in Crestview Memory Gardens will take place at a later date.