of Jonesboro, AR
December 22, 1918 - June 11, 2010
JONESBORO-William Robert Calkin, Sr., 91, of Jonesboro, passed away on June 11, 2010, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.
He was born Dec. 22, 1918, the eighth of 13 children to Luke and Lucinda (Cash) Calkin of Otwell.
In his early years he was a rice farmer at Otwell and later moved to Jonesboro where he owned and operated Calkin Plumbing Co., until his retirement in 1998. After his retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors and fishing with his grandsons.
He served with the 161st Infantry Regiment 25th Infantry Division during World War II and fought in battles at Guadalcanal and New Georgia Island. He was awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AP Service Ribbon and two Bronze Service Stars.
He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion Post 21 in Jonesboro, and a lifetime charter member of the National World War II Memorial Society. He was a member of Ridgecrest Missionary Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Sammons Calkin, his parents; five brothers, Stephen Calkin, Ed Calkin, John Calkin, Robert Calkin, and Junior Calkin; and five sisters, Emmer Bise, Helen Owen, Lorene Evins, Alice Johnson, and Clara Gasaway.
He is survived by two sons, William R. Calkin, Jr. (Sharon), of Cash ; and Gary Calkin of Jonesboro; three daughters, LaNita Cooper (Ed); Phareta Calkin; and Darlene Calkin, all of Jonesboro; one sister, Mary Lou Payton; one brother, Paul Calkin, both of Jonesboro; six grandchildren, Mitchell Cooper of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Wes Cooper (Ali) and Bryan Cooper (Sandra), both of Fayetteville; Bill Caldwell (Katina); and Michael Calkin (Felicia), both of Bell, Fla.; and Lloyd Collins (Victoria) of Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah; five great-grandchildren, Sarah Wesley Cooper of Fayetteville; Garrett Caldwell and Madison Calkin, both of Bell, Fla.; Jackson Lloyd Collins of Layton, Utah; Hunter Kennedy of Jonesboro; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 4:00 pm. in Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at Monday 10:00 am in Oaklawn Cemetery with Rev. Gary Henderson officiating and Roller-Farmers Union in charge of arrangements.
For lasting memorials the family has requested that consideration be given to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.
Phareta,
I am so very sorry. I am thinking of you and your family.
Gary, when you lose both parents in the same week, it has to be so hard. We are thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow. Know that we are praying for you. If there is anything we can do, let us know.
Phareta,
I am so sorry for your massive amount of loss this past week. Please know that my husband and I have been praying for you and we are hoping this along with any comfort that your parents are now together helps you in your road of grieving.
Your parents were odviously awsome people--and there is no doubt their wonderful strength is what has kept you and your family going through these last few difficult years. This awsome strength along with our amazing Lord will also help you through the steps ahead. Give yourself time, Phareta. Don't rush things.
Know that I am a phone call away if you need to talk.
God Bless,
Tia
I am sorry for your loss,my prayers are with you and your family Gary.
Dear Children: It is difficult to lose a parent any time but very sad to lose both in less than a week.
You had very good parents. Your Dad was such a hard worker and very well liked.
May it comfort each of you to know that there are others who share in your sorrow at this time.
Kenneth & Patsy Gerber
Dear Bill and Family.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. I know its hard. Remember the good time, laugh, cry, and start all over. Time does help.
Phareta and family,
I am so sorry for your loss once again this week. I hope you can take comfort in knowing your parents are together now and not in anymore pain.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
William & Family,
I am a 1965 graduate of JHS along with you many years ago. My intentions were to sign the guest book for your mother and then today I saw that your father had passed also. I am so sorry that you have lost both parents at the same time. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. You will probably have to look in your annual to remember me but I remembered your name.
Deloris Mackey Tolbert
Just wanted you to know all of the family are
in my thoughts and prayers. I can still the Calkin
row at church. Wish I could be there. I loved your
mother and dad very much. You know someone
else who knew he could call on your dad anytime
and he loved him very much. Pat,
So sorry for the loss of your father. .Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache:
but those who care and
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind.
May you find strength
in the love of family
and in the warm embrace
of friends.
Phareta,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you feel the arms of Jesus holding you tight through all of this. My thoughts & prayers are with you.