Milt
Milt and his daughter Janet Fitz
Milt grew up and attended school in Stanley, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Exie Alma Kelley on May 9, 1945 in Mtn. Grove, Mo. Seven children were born to this union.
At the age 11, Milt got his first guitar. This began a lifelong love of music. He taught himself how to play several instruments and also how to repair radios and electronics.
Milt and Exie raised their family in Oelwein, where he was the superintendent for 16 years in the Water Sanitation Department. In 1984 they moved to Norwood, Missouri, where he worked for the city of Norwood in the water department.
The Country Buddies, from left to right, Milt Campbell, Janet Fitz, Ron Fitz, Jodeen Fitz, Danny Campbell
In 1966, Milton formed the Country Buddies Band that most of his children played in along with a son-in-law.
Jodeen Fitz
Janet Fitz
Jodeen and Janet
Milt’s two daughters were part of his band.
Left to right: Janet Fitz, Milt, Jimmy Campbell, Danny Campbell, Jim Holton
The Country Buddies: Back Row, Milt Campbell, Danny Campbell. Middle, Ron Fitz Front, Janet Fitz, Jodeen Fitz
The Country Buddies: Left to right: Janet Fitz, Ron Fitz, Danny Campbell, Milt
Above are several promotional pictures of the Country Buddies
The Country Buddies
Danny Campbell
Below are several pictures of the Country Buddies playing at the 4 Roads Inn 0n Highway 3 near Oran, IA
Left to right: Judy Campbell Kane, Janet Fitz, Milt, Jimmy Campbell
Left to right: Janet Ftiz, Jimmy Campbell, Judy Campbell Kane, Milt
Left to right: Judy Campbell Kane, Milt, Jimmy Campbell
Jimmy Campbell on the drums
Oelwein Rock Band Afterflash in studio mixing with Milton Campbell while recording a promo 45rpm original song “Leave Myself To Die.” In the photo from left, Jim Mazziotti, Jim Trewin, Randy Hibbin (in back) and Chris Theolbald
Milt also played in several bands throughout Iowa and Missouri, playing country music at community events and jamborees. He also had a recording studio while living in Oelwein.
Milt Campbell was one of the top country bands in Eastern Iowa at the time. They also made money recording and playing on jingles for local merchants that were broadcast on local AM radio station KOEL. Milt was a member of the Oelwein music base that included Bobby Hankins, Leo Greco (hit song “Little Red Wagon”), Pee Wee Cherrier, Andy Doll, Alex Ricchio, and others. A lot of those guys would stop at Milt’s studio frequently. Milt played steel guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. Milt was a “cool” guy that came from a completely different generation and musical background and yet was friends with many of the young musicians in Oelwein.
Following their move to Norwood to be near their parents, Milt and Exie opened a music store at their residence, where he taught music lessons and built instruments.
Milt loved his family very much and looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren.
He also liked family get-togethers, which always involved playing music. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and camping. He also liked to fly airplanes, model airplanes, and do woodcarvings.
Milt Campbell passed away on January 3, 2013.
View his obituary published in the Oelwein Daily Register here.
His father Ralph was an awesome man also who helped my dad Billy Joe Evans. He got us a house and a church for my dad to preach in. Milt was always letting everyone use his studio. My dad was also on KOEL , he used the studio for his broadcasts. I was a flower girl in Janet and Ronnie’s wedding. I also remember Danny dated Veronica Rueden. I was always helping Exie bake while dad was in the studio. Great memories!
Milt was great to me when I played in the Country Buddies. That’s where I met so many of the senior musicians around Oelwein.
Milt was such a kind and gentle man. Our band (Afterflash) recorded at his studios about 1969 and Milt was so patient with us. I know he is missed by his family.