Daniel DeCamp
1940 - 2021
Daniel Lee DeCamp
PORTSMOUTH-Daniel Lee DeCamp, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Dan was born September 4, 1940 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Thomas Lowe DeCamp and Sadie Irene York DeCamp. Dan was a 1958 graduate of Wheelersburg High School where he was an outstanding all-around athlete. He earned a full scholarship to play football as quarterback at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, where he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. Stationed in Germany, Dan proudly served his country in the armed forces during the Vietnam War. He was owner of Dan’s Sporting Goods and retired from NS Railroad as a Conductor. He was a member of the Wheelersburg First Church of Christ where he served in several capacities. He was previously a Deacon, later and most recently an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Sunday Service leader and headed the Feed the Students Mission. He was a member of Western Sun Masonic Lodge #91 where he served as Worshipful Master in 1976 and again in 2020. He was also a member of The Scottish Rite of Cincinnati. Dan stayed physically active throughout his life and won The Life Center Fitness Challenge in 2005. An avid golfer, Dan was on the course daily weather permitting. He enjoyed sports, especially football and attended as many games as he could. Dan loved the outdoors and was passionate about a well-manicured lawn. Most importantly, Dan loved spending time with family. His vision of having a permanent location for The Annual Labor Day Family Reunion became in reality in 2014 with the building of the DeCamp Family Memorial Shelter House in Wheelersburg, where he joyfully maintained the role of groundskeeper until this last year. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Tom and William “Bill” DeCamp and a sister, Peggy Young. Dan is survived by his wife, Shirley Cooper DeCamp whom he married June 30, 1962 at Lakeside Church, New Boston. Also, Dan is survived by a son, Brad M. (Nikki) DeCamp; a daughter, Amy (Dan) Rase; a brother, Donald “Butch” DeCamp; two sisters, Judy Arbaugh and Becky Teagarden; grandchildren, Lauren (Justin), Matt, Zach, Reese, Taylor, Bailey and Bradley and great grandchildren, Cooper and Ella.
Services for Dan will be 11:00 am Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at First Church of Christ, Dogwood Ridge with Sam Cooke and Rase Martin officiating. Interment with graveside Military Honors will follow at Memorial Burial Park. The family will receive friends at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, October 12, 2021 with Masonic Services at 7:00 pm and from 10:00-11:00 am at the church on Wednesday. The family requests Memorial contributions be made in Dan’s name to First Church of Christ Feed the Students Mission. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
Condolences
Richard Zaebst
Brad, there are no words to express the loss of a loved one, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Dianna and I are so sorry for your loss, God's peace and love to you and the family! Rick
Marty & Patti Gaudiose
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeCamp family during this difficult time. In reading Mr. DeCamp’s obituary it is apparent that he was a great man, athlete, and community servant. He was part of the “Greatest Generation” and lived his life according to those values! Brad has been a friend for over 17 years and we have shared family stories about the influence of our fathers in our lives and the great respect we have had for them! He will continue to live in your families lives as you move forward. God Bless and keep the DeCamp family! Marty & Patti Gaudiose
Kathy Fisher
Brad I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I know what the feels like to lose a father. A man who s dearly loved and will forever be in your heart. Remember the good times and the laughs. That's what keeps me going!
Mike Piguet
He would greet me with a smile and a hand shake. He made me and my family very welcome at his church. First Church of Christ on dogwood ridge Wheelersburg Ohio. God bless his family. We were sudden of your loss and knowing he will be without pain is a blessing.
Joyce Starr
To all of the Decamp family,,,, I am so saddened by your loss. Although I did know know Mr.Decamp personally, I felt as though I knew him through Brad by the stories he would share and the time he spent with him at family events and golf outings. Any loss is devastating but please remember that although he may not be here with you, he is now an angel watching over your family, His spirit will be eternal. Rest high Mr. Decamp, Much love Joyce Starr
Collin McLaughlin II
My condolences to the family , friends and former co-workers . I enjoyed working with Dan many times over my career with the railroad . Prayers of peace at this time .
Dee Mauk
Im so sorry about Dan's passing. Dan took the time to mentor me through the degrees of Masonery and I looked up to him for advice over the years. He was absolutely one tough guy as I remember him being on time to play golf one time after having a bunch of painful dental work being done. He was actually having some bleeding and showed expressions of being in pain BUT played the 9 holes never complaining. Yes, he was a tough guy and I already miss him.
Bob and Nancy Fairchild
Shirley, Brad, and Amy we were so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I have had the greatest respect for Dan and how he fought this terrible cancer for years. He is an inspiration to all who have to deal with with this affliction. God bless him and his family.
Adam Scott
Dan was a great man that always made me feel welcome whenever I visited. May God be with the DeCamp family and friends during this terrible time of loss.
Jeri Fairchild Stewart
Shirley, Brad, Amy, and the entire DeCamp family, I’m so very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was always so kind and just a great person. Mom and dad loved him so very much. Please know that my heart breaks for you all. Love and prayers, Jeri