Don Campbell Celebrates 90th Birthday

Family and friends gather to honor the longtime journalist and Air Force veteran

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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On Saturday, February 7, family and friends of 90-year-old Don Campbell met at the Checotah Community Center to celebrate his milestone birthday. Campbell, a longtime journalist and Air Force veteran, was born in 1936 and grew up in the Checotah area. He served in the Air Force for 23 years, including tours in Vietnam, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Japan, and South Korea, where he met his wife Jeanie. After retiring from the military, Campbell worked for the Checotah schools and then covered local sports for the McIntosh County Democrat for 25 years before retiring. Campbell is known as a fixture in the Checotah community and is proud of his family, which includes four children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Why it matters

Don Campbell's 90th birthday celebration highlights his long and distinguished career serving his country and community. As a veteran, journalist, and community leader, Campbell has made significant contributions to Checotah and the surrounding region over the past nine decades. His story exemplifies the value of public service, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

The details

During his time in the Air Force, Campbell served in various roles, including as a stringer for the Stars and Stripes newspaper while stationed in Japan and South Korea. In Vietnam, he covered the war effort, often embedded with different military units and even being issued a grenade launcher for protection. After retiring from the military, Campbell worked for the Checotah schools and then spent 25 years covering local sports for the McIntosh County Democrat, earning a reputation as a dedicated supporter of student-athletes.

  • Don Campbell was born in 1936.
  • Campbell joined the Air Force in August 1954.
  • Campbell served in Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1967.
  • Campbell retired from the military in June 1977 after 23 years of service.
  • Campbell's 90th birthday celebration was held on February 7, 2026.

The players

Don Campbell

A 90-year-old resident of Checotah, Oklahoma, who has had a long career in the Air Force and as a journalist covering local sports and events.

Jeanie Campbell

Don Campbell's wife of 50 years, whom he met while stationed in South Korea.

Marvin Bruce Campbell

Don Campbell's oldest child, living in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Donna Campbell Cooper

One of Don Campbell's four children, living in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Davie Spindle

The owner of the McIntosh County Democrat, where Don Campbell covered local sports for 25 years.

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What they’re saying

“When I was in Japan for four years, in the 5th Air Force Headquarters, I was a stringer for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. If they needed me to go somewhere and do something, I did.”

— Don Campbell (Stars and Stripes)

“The biggest thing I enjoyed doing was covering new troops in the area. They would come in and I would go out to do a story on the new guy then I'd send it down to Saigon and they would send it to his hometown paper. I loved doing that and made a lot of friends over there because of it. Several of them I still stay in contact with today.”

— Don Campbell (Stars and Stripes)

The takeaway

Don Campbell's 90th birthday celebration is a testament to his lifetime of service, both to his country and his community. As a veteran, journalist, and beloved local figure, Campbell's story highlights the enduring value of public service, community engagement, and a lifelong commitment to learning and growth.