Lonnie Vernon Campbell

            Lonnie Vernon Campbell, 86, of Harrodsburg, KY passed away peacefully at his home on January 27, 2026.  Born February 26, 1939, in Harrodsburg, he was a son of the late Wallace Owen and Louise Gibson Campbell.
           Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Smith Campbell of Harrodsburg; sister Jody (Rodney) Noel of Harrodsburg; two daughters Jean (Mark) Bryant of Harrodsburg, Emily Lackey of Clarksville, TN; four grandchildren Clay Bryant of Atlanta, GA, Baylee Lackey of Clarksville, TN, Kathryn Bryant of Lexington, and Erin Lackey of Clarksville, TN.  Lonnie was preceded in death by his brother Wallace Owen Campbell, Jr. of Harrodsburg.
            Lonnie, a lifelong example of integrity, service, and quiet generosity, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by hard work, humility, and love for community. From an early age, Lonnie embodied a strong work ethic that never wavered.  Beginning a career at Kroger, Lonnie learned the value of honest labor and dedication – values that guided a lifetime of service.  That path later led to becoming part owner of Gateway, where commitment to customers and community was always placed above personal gain.  Lonnie also served faithfully at State Bank and Trust, earning the respect of colleagues and patrons alike for reliability, fairness, and sound judgment.
            Frugal by nature and generous by heart, Lonnie believed in stewardship of resources, relationships, and responsibilities.  Giving was never for recognition, yet it was deeply felt by those who benefited from a servant’s heart, always ready to help, encourage, or quietly step in where needed.
            Lonnie was awarded the Rotary Award for Outstanding Community Service, a reflection of decades of selfless involvement and civic pride.  That same dedication led to public service as City Commissioner, then Mayor of Harrodsburg, a role he held for two terms.  As mayor, leadership was marked not by titles, but by approachability, fairness, and a sincere desire to serve every citizen well. Above all, Lonnie believed in people – working alongside them, listening to them, and serving them with humility.  The example set through a life of honest work, generous service, and steadfast values will continue to influence family, friends, and the Harrodsburg community for generations.
            Lonnie will be remembered not only for accomplishments, but for character: a servant leader, a faithful worker, and a good neighbor. He was a 1956 graduate of Harrodsburg High School where he was active in sporting activities, and he really enjoyed watching UK football and basketball games. Lonnie served his country through the  Army National Guard in Harrodsburg.
           Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the United Presbyterian Church of Harrodsburg. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Springhill Cemetery.
           Pallbearers are Ed Smith, Mark Bryant, Clay Bryant, Jarrett Payne, Gunner Osbron, Walker Smith, and Rodney Noel.
           Memorial contributions are suggested to Heritage Hospice, 120 Enterprise Drive, Danville, KY 40422 or to the United Presbyterian Church of Harrodsburg, 326 South Main Street, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.
           Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at Sims Funeral Services  www.simsfuneralservices.com.

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