of Jonesboro, AR
January 12, 1924 - June 12, 2019
Paul Calkin, 95, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2019. He was born January 12, 1924, in Newport, Arkansas, to Luke and Lucinda (Cash) Calkin. Paul was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Weiner. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Northeast Arkansas Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the American Legion. Paul was a member of the Masonic Lodge #67 in Nettleton; in 2016, he became a Master Mason, completing a journey he began in 1957. He worked as a steel fabricator and welder and in his free time, he enjoyed fishing, eating, and watching Cardinals baseball.
Paul was also a member of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in World War II. During World War II, he received many medals: the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, and Royal Air Force Gold Fish Medal.
In 2000, he received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat in World War II. In 2013, he received the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor, the highest honor conferred by France, in recognition of his part in the liberation of France during World War II. In 2017, Paul was inducted into the Arkansas Veteran's Hall of Fame.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Phyllis Dyer; first wife Nadine, mother of his children; grandson, Paul David Calkin; and 11 siblings.
His survivors include his wife of thirty-nine years, Helen (Dowdy) Calkin; sons, Paul Wayne (Jeni) Calkin and David (Denise) Calkin; sister, Mary Lou Payton; twenty-seven grandchildren; thirty-three great grandchildren; and sixteen great-great grandchildren.
Memorial services will begin at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 17, 2019, at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 W. Washington Ave, Jonesboro, AR. Rev. Gil Hogue, Rev. Jeni Markham Clewell, and Rev. Paul W. Calkin will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the 100th Bomb Group Foundation c/o Jeanne Carey, 407 Parkway Dr. Laurens, SC 29360
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6 Condolence(s)
Amy Morris
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Rest In Peace and thank you for your service.
-a distant cousin.
Mark and Gwen Vaughn
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
We are so shocked and saddened beyond words to find out today of the passing of a very dear,longtime friend. Paul was always considered Mark's hero because of all the sacrifices he made to fight for the country he loved so much. He once told Mark the only thing that kept him going was the American flag.
Paul always loved, more than anything, getting together with our family and having a big fish fry! He always had a smile on his face when feeding all of us because he knew we thought he was the best fish fryer around, and he WAS!!!
It breaks our hearts to find this out today and such a shock. We hate it SO bad we missed the service because we would not have missed it for anything!! Showing our respect for such a special man would have been the least we could do for him!💔 And his family!
We have the memories of Paul, the things hes told us, the books he saved especially for Mark, the wonder fish drys and , most importantly, the special invitation to attend his Purple Heart Ceremony at the Jacksonville Air Base. He was SO proud that day.
May God Bless Paul and his soul RIP. He already knew how much we all loved him. Also prayers ate with the family, his wife, Helen, and his children. We have lost a brave man here on Earth but Heaven gained a VERY special Angel. God Bless you Paul. We will always miss you but NEVER forget you. You will always be in our hearts and memories!💔💔💖💖
Chip Culpepper
Friday, June 14, 2019
Mr. Paul Calkin embodied the attributes of "The Greatest Generation." He smiled through hardship. He served his nation humbly. He shined the light he deserved on those around him.
It was a personal privilege to know him. It was also my private joy to nudge him into a spotlight, if only briefly, so we might say a proper "Thank you" to him – and the entire generation of those like him – which he represented so ably.
On behalf of my own family, and the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, may I extend our warmest affection, sincere admiration, and deepest sympathies to the Calkin family.
Phil McLarty
Friday, June 14, 2019
A wonderful man!
Angela Frazier (Medic One)
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Rest In Peace, it was a pleasure meeting and caring for this American Hero, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
Susan Williams
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Crystal & Robin,
Thank you for sharing your Uncle Paul with us. I'm grateful for his service to US. And Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Praying for you. I know you'll miss him, but he is now with Jesus in no pain.
With Sympathy,
Susan Williams
Osceola, AR