James Grant Leon Campbell—known to everyone simply as Lon—left this world on November 18, 2025 in Maize, KS after a courageous two-year battle with prostate cancer with his wife, son, and daughter by his side. True to who he was, Lon lived every moment fully, stubbornly, and entirely on his own terms. Even illness couldn't dull the spark that made him unforgettable.

Born on February 2, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lon grew into the kind of man who made life exciting just by being in the room. Eccentric in the best ways, he was full of mischief, humor, and a love for bending the rules whenever possible. He had a gift for making people laugh and could lift any mood with a single look or quip. As he once insisted: "When I'm gone, the one thing I want you to always remember is that I was  funny. And he truly was.

Lon was incredibly proud of his career. He was a Union Millwright with Local 1529 for nearly 40 years, working alongside his son, his nephews, and many close friends. He took great pride in his skills as a welder and was famous for saying, "I can weld anything but the crack of dawn and the crack of your ass." His work was a major part of his identity, and one of his greatest joys was watching his son follow in his footsteps—and even surpass him—by becoming the Shop General Foreman. Lon bragged about that every chance he got.

Curiosity and enthusiasm carried Lon through countless hobbies and passions. He moved through life in phases, diving headfirst into RC planes, scuba diving, horseback riding, golf, archery, dove hunting, motorcycle riding, fishing, and anything else that caught his interest. If it could be tried, tested, or tinkered with, Lon was all in. He loved his gadgets, always chasing the latest tech, flying his drone, and playing video games with his son-in-law and great-nephew. He also loved his Marlboro Reds, and his daily Snapchats and streaks with family and friends became nothing short of legendary.

He loved a good Gunsmoke episode, a quiet day by the water, and time spent with the people he loved. Generous to a fault, Lon gave freely, even when he didn't have much to spare. His kindness, humor, and unfiltered honesty touched everyone who knew him.

But the center of Lon's world was always Connie. They met in August 1981 and married in August 2019, a love story nearly four decades in the making. To say he worshipped her wouldn't be an exaggeration—his face lit up whenever he looked at her. The two retired to Warsaw, Missouri where they spent most of their time these past 9 years. Before retiring he two spent most of their time living in the Olathe, KS area and between them they share two children, and 4 grandchildren. Son Matthew and his wife Rachel with their children Grant, Jaycee, and Rylee. Daughter Stefanie and her husband Eric with their daughter Annika.

Lon is survived by his wife Connie Lynn; sisters Karen and Cheryl Dawn; and children Stefanie (Eric), Matthew (Rachel), and Leonda; and step-daughter April (Adam); 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and countless friends and family who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by mother Bertha Dolly; father Joseph Dorsey (JD); brother Joseph Dorsey Jr.; and sister Kathy Lynn.

Lon was a character, a firework, a storyteller, and a man who squeezed every last drop out of life. His legacy is laughter, generosity, and the endless stories he leaves behind. And if you tell them loudly, honestly, and with a grin—he'd say you're doing it just right.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place at the Eudora Community Center in Eudora, KS on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 2pm–5pm.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Ks.

A direct quote from Lon in his own words: "When I'm gone, the one thing I want you to always remember was I was a funny motherfucker"