Graveside services for Traver James Campbell, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Traver was welcomed home on August 21, 2024, from West Plains, Missouri, surrounded by family who loved and cherished him.
He was born March 9, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, to parents Alfred “Tray” and Iva Campbell. He had one sister, Anita Nelson. Traver’s early years involved many moves as a child in a military family. He was active in athletics, playing football and swimming in the Jr. Olympics. He followed in his father’s footsteps with military service by serving in the Army after high school. Traver met Pamela Moffatt while both were teaching in the same school. He taught 5th/6th grade and when Pam transitioned to teaching that same grade level, Traver showed her the ropes. He was immediately attracted to her and the two began dating, sharing hikes and restaurant meals together. Traver and Pamela married on October 21, 1972, and made their home in Arcadia, California. Married life shifted to family life the next year when their first son, Christopher, was born. Next came their favorite Christmas present, Matthew. A third bundle of love arrived a couple of years later in Timothy. And the family was complete with one last son, Anthony. Traver and Pam were family-focused and heavily involved in loving and shaping their sons’ futures. The rhythms of daily life included a focus on encouraging their sons’ positive interests, like sports, scouts, education, family trips, and outdoor adventures. Traver’s interests were diverse. He was always a student, ever growing in his knowledge of many topics. He could share interesting details on most any subject and took an interest in whatever interested those he loved. His favorite moments throughout his years revolved around family: foot rub naps with Pam, picking the day’s roses from the yard, reading a good book, crossword puzzles, phone calls with family, and family visits. He enjoyed swimming, watching football and basketball, a good western (novel or movie), hiking, and good food. Traver knew the Lord, Jesus Christ, and sought intimacy with him. His most important and greatest legacy is raising four sons who all know and follow Jesus, and who have married and are raising their families knowing the Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; sons, Christopher, Matthew, Timothy, and Anthony; daughters-in-law, Debbie, Susan, and Alicia; and grandchildren, Kate, Jonathan, Maggie, Joshua, Kara, Traver, Robert, Romie, James, and Abby.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
