Charles Leland Campbell was born June 19, 1911 in Elida, Roosevelt County, New Mexico to Zachary Taylor Campbell and Lillie Louise Bridges Campbell. In 1920, Zachary’s profession was listed as barber and they were still living in Elida. Zachary passed away in 1930 after an illness. Charlie, as he became known, graduated from Elida High School.

Campbell served in the U. S. Air Force in World War II. In 1945 he married the former Kathryn Smith in Buechel, Kentucky. Charlie also attended attended New Mexico Normal University at Las Vegas (now known as New Mexico Highlands University) for several years.

The couple settled in Lovington, where Charlie was engaged with his brother, John Campbell, in the operation of Campbell’s Farm and Ranch Supply and Campbell Grain and Milling Company. Their store was located at the base of the large grain elevators, the tallest structures in Lovington.

For many years, Charlie hosted a daily radio program on station KLEA out of Lovington. His program reported local news and events. Charlie passed away on August 29, 1984 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Amarillo, Texas after a short illness. He was survived by his wife and children.