Calvin Campbell

Calvin G. Campbell, 76, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away, Monday, November 20, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Calvin was born February 6, 1947 to Annabelle (Trickey) and Harold Campbell in Des Moines, Iowa. Calvin made numerous friends growing up on the eastside of Des Moines and enjoyed playing football for East High School. Following graduation, Calvin proudly joined the National Guard. He held several jobs before finding his calling as a traveling concessionaire.

Campbell’s Concessions was born in 1972. Calvin traveled the country with his signature corndog stands before opening several Campbell’s Restaurants around the Des Moines area. In 1990, Calvin and his partners bought and remodeled The Depot at the Iowa State Fair. This became his oasis. Calvin especially enjoyed hosting annual East High School class reunions on East Side Night during the fair. With the help of his family and supportive “village,” his companies have grown exponentially leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Calvin enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his buddies, a love of 50’s and 60’s music and watching westerns and wartime movies. He loved to spoil his many dogs throughout the years and rarely expected them to eat plain dog food.

Calvin is survived by his four children; Cyndee Grace (Steve) Gillen of McLean, VA, Eric (Misha McCurnin) Campbell of West Des Moines, Kevin (Brianna) Campbell of Omaha, NE, Sean Campbell of Waukee, IA, five grandchildren; Grant Campbell, Gaven Campbell, Gage Campbell, Thomas Gillen, Camdyn Campbell, two bonus daughters, Ashley Alt (Tim) and Katie Felter, five bonus grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Harold Campbell Jr., two sisters, Margaret Ackley, and Marie Brown

The family would like to thank Unity Point hospice and their nurses for their great care of Calvin in his final weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Saturday, December 16, 2023 in the 4H Building at The Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA. A private family burial will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to www.caldwellparrish.com