Steven J. Campbell, age 60 of Evart, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026, in Sylvan Township, Osceola County, MI doing what he knew best-working and providing for his family. He leaves those closest to him surrounded by the memories of a life lived at full throttle.
Steve was born on May 24, 1965, in Big Rapids, MI to Robert and Patricia (Sherman) Campbell. After attending Evart High School, life's journey began. Often described as "hell on wheels" in his younger years, he mellowed as he got older; but never quit being a "speed demon" who believed everything needed to go at its fastest.
Steve was a true "Jack of all trades" and "MacGyver" who could fix or build anything and loved spending time tinkering in his barn. He was a hardworking man who spent his life helping others and lending a hand whenever it was needed. On the rigs he was known as “Smurf” and was quoted as being “A Michigan oilfield legend”. He was at home in the great outdoors where he could, boat, fish, hunt, and cut wood. His keen eye for spotting wildlife and ability for hunting deer was exceptional. The hunting trips to Colorado will never be the same.
On June 25, 2011, in Pentwater MI-after a 23-year engagement- with their kids standing up for them, he married JoDell Richmond. As a family man he was the “smart ass” prankster whose playfulness and infectious laugh will always be remembered. He had the loudest whistle and was his grandsons’ biggest fan. After leaving the oilfield, to spend quality time with family, he became a familiar face at AJs in Evart where he was a cook, also helping with maintenance and anything that was needed of him.
He was patriotic, enjoyed taking road trips, seldom missed a Blessing of the Bikes and left behind some key phrases such as, "You can outrun the car, but you can’t outrun the radio" and the Budweiser "Whaaatttsssupp?".
Family was his anchor. He leaves behind his wife, JoDell; two children, Dakota (Olyvia) Campbell and Cierra (Morgan) Campbell; two grandsons, Ayden and Ashtyn, to whom he was simply "Pops"—the man who couldn't tell them “no."; his mother, Patricia (Gary) Goodfellow; sisters, Lynette (Kevin) Walters and Jennifer Campbell; mother-in-law, Ruth Ann Gill; brothers-in-law Joe, James and Justin (Dianna) Gill; sister-in-law, Chellie Stewart; and many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncles, extended family and tons of friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his dad, Robert Campbell; maternal grandparents, Art and Annie Sherman; sister, Brenda and brother-in-law John VandenBosch; nephew, Timothy Campbell; close cousin, Ron Jones; and fathers-in-law, Ken Richmond, and James Gill Sr.
A celebration of life will be held at 1PM on Saturday, February 21st at AJ’s Event Center, 11377 US 10, Evart. Condolences for Steven’s family can be left on the Corey Funeral Home website, www.coreyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Steve’s name can be made to the Sears Food Pantry.