Marvin Lee Campbell

Local artist Marvin Lee Campbell passed away on August 15 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. He was born on April 23, 1938, in Des Moines to Orville and Eleanor (Thompson) Campbell. Marvin grew up in Mount Ayr, Fort Des Moines, and Des Moines.

He served as a Cold War veteran in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. During his service, he swam on the United States Army swim team, competing as a distance swimmer. His art career began in Germany when he designed a Christmas display for his 2/6th Cavalry unit.

After returning from the service, he met his wife, Lois Carole (Broshar) Campbell. Marvin and Carole established their home in Newton and later moved to Lamb’s Grove, Iowa.

A dedicated and hardworking employee, Marvin always sought to provide for his family.

His employment history included working for JC Penney as a window and display designer and for the Vernon Company as a commercial artist. He also worked for his brother at Des Moines Maintenance Company and at Altoona Menards in the garden center, where he was affectionately known as the “Christmas Tree Man.”

Marvin was the co-owner of M and W Incorporated, Legacy Antiques, and the owner of Lone Pine Studio. He became known as the “cardboard artist” and from 2013 to 2024, he designed and built sets for Newton Community High School and Berg Middle School drama productions. Additionally, he built sets for the Newton Community Theater.

He created many paintings for the community, including athletic posters for Newton High School, paintings of the Newton Courthouse at Christmas, and other commissioned works for businesses and individuals in Newton. His artwork was featured as an Iowa Games poster, and he created a sculpture of Herky the Hawkeye in Iowa City. His paintings are also displayed in Ukraine, and his wild game bird prints were sold as promotional items through local Hy-Vee stores, making art accessible to everyone. Marvin enjoyed sharing his prints with others and often gave them away when he felt it was appropriate.

Traveling along I-80, one might see fleet logos and designs he created.

As passionate as Marvin was about his art, he was even more committed to his family. He loved his daughters and would do anything to care for and support them. His grandchildren brought him immense joy and laughter. Marvin coached girls’ softball and attended numerous activities for his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, continuing to provide love and attention to their lives as they grew into adulthood.

Marvin was civic-minded and served on the Lamb’s Grove City Council, the Newton Community Theater Board, and the Jasper County Arts Association. He was also a founding member of O.P.E.N. (Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors). Over his lifetime, Marvin made 27 trips to Ukraine to promote the arts and humanitarian aid and served as an election observer twice.

Known for being thrifty and resourceful, Marvin often devised creative and inexpensive projects. He was handy and assisted in building and remodeling homes for himself and his daughters. Nature and flower gardening were his inspiration, as Marvin had a deep connection to the world around him.

Marvin is survived by his daughters, Melinda Robertson (Tom) of Newton and Sherri Sciarrotta (Pete) of Newton, as well as his ex-wife, Carole Campbell. He had four grandchildren: Grant Worthington (Kristan) of Tiffin, Adena Segar (Ross) of Ankeny, Annamaria Sciarrotta (Brenden Gallaher) of Kellogg, and Micaela Scott (Tyler) of Newton. He also had four great-grandchildren: Reuben Layton, Kailey Segar, Carson Gallaher, and Avalee Scott. His brother, J.R. Campbell (Lana) of Norwalk, a sister-in-law, Chris Campbell of Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and his brother, Charles Campbell.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.