It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce that Dr. Derek Reed Campbell, cherished husband, father, son, brother, and favorite uncle, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 3, 2026, at his home in Idaho Falls.

Derek was born on November 16, 1970, to his loving parents, Dennis and Sharron Campbell. He later served a full-time mission in the Hartford Connecticut Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before making the best decision of his life: marrying Marshae Lambson. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple on March 17, 1995. He loved her dearly and would not have made it to 55 years old without Marshae keeping him out of trouble.

In thinking about Derek’s life, one word describes him best – exceptional.

Derek strived for excellence in every aspect of his life. As a young man, he served as Student Body President while excelling in football, wrestling, and academics.

It was initially thought that Derek was a “hobby hopper,” but it was later understood that his hobby was learning. With his love of learning, he put his heart and soul into every activity, which led him to become a master in pyrotechnics, long-distance shooting, water skiing, woodworking, ATV driving, and Medicine

After much work, time, and dedication, Derek earned a doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Health Sciences and completed a residency in full spectrum Family Medicine.

During the extremely difficult and stressful time of medical training, Derek and Marshae still focused on their eternal priorities of starting a family. They adopted Abani and Aslin Teige and were sealed together as an eternal family.

Later in his career, Derek found his true calling: inspiring the generation of physicians following in his footsteps. He selflessly shared his knowledge as an instructor and mentor with the Medical Residency Program at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Derek was an exceptional teacher and an even better “brother” to the residents. Although he has left this life, his legacy and contributions to medicine will endure through time, as the aspiring physicians he instructed go into the world with the skills that he taught them.

Derek lived an exceptional life full of service, compassion, and love. His actions on this earth have left the world a better place.

Derek never took himself too seriously, however, and took every opportunity to bring out his unique goofball humor. His sense of humor created a bond that all who worked for and with him treasured. Whether it was through pranks, dares, competitions, sneak attacks, or quoting movie lines, Derek found a way to enjoy the moment and bring laughter to those around him.

Derek served as a Bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was beloved by his congregation. During his service, he displayed his discipleship by abiding in the Savior's commandment to “Love One Another.” He often lifted others’ burdens and worked to ease spiritual suffering wherever he encountered it. He was a lighthouse for those navigating stormy seas, illuminating the path for them to find calmer waters by pointing them to the Savior.

Derek was deeply patriotic and loved America unapologetically. A fireworks display every Fourth of July became an annual community tradition at his home, and Derek worked tirelessly to get it “just right.” Together with Marshae, they generously welcomed all who wished to attend the celebration into their home, with nothing expected in return.

Above all, Derek built a wonderful life and home for Marshae, Abani, and Aislin, whom he loved deeply. He provided for them, protected them, and devoted himself to their happiness and well-being. Derek received many accolades that the world offered him, but he knew that no earthly achievement or award was more important than what took place within his own eternal family. With absolute certainty, he knew that of his many accomplishments, all paled in comparison to being a faithful husband and devoted dad. In his most vital roles as husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, Derek was exceptional.

Derek is survived by his loving wife, Marshae; their daughters, Abani and Aislin; and his mother, Sharron Campbell. In addition, he is survived by his older brother, Troy (Kimberly) Campbell; younger sisters: Tara (Shane) Bauman, Shalyce (Jesse) Hokanson, Tiffany (Seth) Wheeler; his in-laws, Hayden and Cheryl Lambson; granddaughter, Leah Maestas; and many nieces and nephews who adore him.

Derek was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Campbell, as well as his grandparents. The notion of Derek and his dad being reunited brings us comfort and allows us to smile at a time of great sorrow.

Derek, we will miss you more than we can possibly convey. We will miss your presence, your love, your sense of humor, your movie quotes, your kind heart, and yes, we will even miss your grouchiness. But we are steadfast in our faith, and this is not the end. The void that your absence leaves in mortality will never be, and indeed, cannot be filled, but we will not say goodbye. Rather, we say: “We will see you later.”

“There is no end to glory, there is no end to love. There is no end to being, there is no death above.”

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to do a service for someone in need of help.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 955 Memorial Drive. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. A private family service will be held prior to the funeral service. All are invited to pay their respects, as it will be a great source of comfort to Derek’s family to see how many lives he touched. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

https://localnews8.com/news/2026/07/06/beloved-idaho-falls-doctor-and-community-figure-dr-derek-campbell-passes-away-unexpectedly/ 

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