Dates
Ann Lomax Campbell passed peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on March 4th, 2018 at her residence in San Angelo, TX. Martha Ann was born April 6, 1930 in Meridian, Texas to J.T. and Mary Jane Evans Lomax, joining a host of Lomax relations in that small town. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1947 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Baylor University in 1951. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Meridian.
During high school Ann enjoyed working on the school newspaper and yearbook staff. She was a “yell leader” and honor student. She began dating Johnny Campbell, who was a year ahead of her, and often flew with him in his open cockpit Stearman bi-plane. While attending Baylor, Ann accompanied Johnny on his first night solo flight. Throughout all their years together he called her “his most fearless co-pilot”. The two were engaged in 1948 while John was on leave from the U.S. Navy and were married in Meridian on December 27, 1950. They celebrated their 67th anniversary a few months ago.
Following their wedding, Ann and John lived in Norfolk, Virginia where John was stationed. Their first daughter, Suzy, was born in 1952 back home in Meridian while John was on an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic. The family later moved to College Station for two years where John completed his education, eventually settling in Dallas where he began flying for Continental Airlines. Two more children were born, John in 1957 and Janie in 1961, completing their family. Through the years Ann “held the fort” during John’s trips, created a loving home and was dedicated to her husband and children.
Ann was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess and entertained frequently in their home. Her home cooking and thoughtful hospitality were the heart of every family gathering for years and years. They had many wonderful friends who were always welcome and she learned to remain calm and add plates to the table when John told her that he had invited several – sometimes many – people for dinner!
Travel was a constant in the family’s life and much enjoyed by all. Ann could get everyone packed, dressed in “Sunday best” clothes and to the airport with amazing speed when John announced that he had five non-rev tickets for a flight in a few hours! She loved to reminisce about her “trips of a lifetime” with John, which included many European countries, a Mediterranean cruise, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, and the Micronesian Islands in the South Pacific. Most memorable were their several trips alone, in one of John’s seaplanes, to Canada and Alaska. She loved the beauty of the mountains as they flew up the Al-Can Highway and Alaska Trench. She was an alert plane-spotter, but said she never got nervous with John at the controls. Being married to John Campbell was an adventure and she embraced it with good nature and a wonderful sense of humor. The love they shared has been a solid foundation and inspiration for their children.
Ann was never more delighted than each time she became “MomMom” to her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She said that watching them grow and play together was a joy beyond words. Throughout her life she has been a model of grace and faith. Her love has always been the active kind and her entire family is forever blessed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.T. and Mary Jane Lomax, in-laws Marian and Elmer Campbell and son-in-law Jeff Trentacosta.
She is survived by her loving husband, John Ross Campbell. Also surviving and giving thanks for her life and legacy are her daughter Suzy and husband Patrick Makins of San Angelo, son John and wife Judy Campbell of Morgan, daughter Janie Trentacosta of Fredericksburg, grandchildren Daniel (Claire) Makins, Sarah (Chris) McAlister, Jessie Trentacosta, Kaitlyn (Andy) Hawrylak, Matthew (Kelsey) Campbell, and Melissa (Sam) Naquin, great grandchildren Cal and James Makins, Hallie and Ty McAlister, Noah Jet Naquin, and Robert Hawrylak, sister Jane (Paul) Bolton, brother Jim (Carolyn) Lomax, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Lyndale, Stephanie Melendez, Sierra Vista UMC, and Hospice of San Angelo for their care for Ann and family.
A Celebration of Ann’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Meridian, TX on April 6th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.