Marty Dean Campbell 1938-2026

Martha (Marty) Dean Campbell

1938-2026

   

Martha Louise Dean Campbell ("Marty"), beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and proud Texan, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family and lifelong friends.

Born November 5, 1938, at Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas, Marty spent most of her life in the city she loved deeply. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1956 and remained fiercely proud of her Texas heritage throughout her life.

Marty attended Texas Tech University before marrying her first husband, Lieutenant Thomas Edward Lasater of the United States Air Force, in 1957. Following his tragic death in a plane crash in 1959, she returned to Houston and completed her degree in English at the University of Houston.

In 1961, she married William J. "Bill" Campbell, and together they raised their two children, Carter W. Campbell and Dr. Cory M. Campbell, in Houston's Memorial area. Later in life, she informally adopted her daughter-in-law, Theresa Campbell.

Marty was especially devoted to her grandchildren, Eoin Campbell and Harper Cardenas, who brought her tremendous joy throughout her life. She was their "Momo."

Marty delighted in language, literature, spirited conversation, and games of wit. She possessed an exceptional vocabulary and a lifelong love of learning. She was an avid student of Civil War history, proud of her family lineage, and deeply appreciative of the arts, theater, symphonies, travel, and bridge.

Following her divorce, Marty worked for many years at Smith Barney, now Morgan Stanley, where she became a Certified Financial Analyst and formed many enduring friendships with colleagues she valued greatly.

Known for her intelligence, humor, resilience, and fierce independence, Marty cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime. She remained close with many dear friends from childhood and high school, including Ellen Cartwright May, Susie Kunkel Hanson, Sheila Scott, and Janice Fleming Roberts. She has had lifelong friendships from other chapters in her life, including with LeeAnn Hudson, Betsy Lake, Sydney Eichenrohdt, Carol Helms and Gail Marquette.

Though she endured significant illnesses and injuries in recent years, Marty faced each challenge with remarkable determination, optimism, and strength.

Marty is survived by her children, Carter W. Campbell and Dr. Cory M. Campbell; daughter-in-law Theresa Campbell; grandchildren, Eoin Campbell and Harper Cardenas; sister-in-law Florene Dean; niece Robin Nunley (Ron); nephews Gary Dean and Charles Campbell; great-nieces Caylee Campbell and Vanessa Nunley; great-nephews Christopher Campbell, Bryce, Connor, and Hayden Dean, and Grant Nunley; cousins Charles Roberts (Beverly), Esther Gebhardt (Larry), Steven Roberts (Linda Mundwiller), Kenneth Roberts, Douglas Roberts, Todd Roberts (Cyndi), Michael Roberts (Alison), Mary Beth Weatherford, Matthew Skinner (Melissa), and Robert Skinner; and many treasured lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Dale "Peg" Clarke; stepfather William Hungate ("Unkie"); brother Bill "Bubba" Dean; great-aunt Mary "Tink" Roberts; cousins Ronnie Roberts and Connie Colley; nephew Clay Campbell; niece Claire Campbell; longtime friends Janice Roberts, Sidney Eichenrodt, and Vera Jean Cromwell; and husbands Thomas Lasater and William J. Campbell.

As her cousin Esther said so beautifully, "She has left a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew her."

A memorial service will be held at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Rd, Houston, on Saturday June 6th, at 11 am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 31, 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Daughter Teresa Campbell