Obituary for Willis D. Calkins, Jr.
Willis D. Calkins, Jr., 96, died on Feb. 21, 2020 at The Grand in Chittenango. Born January 16, 1924, in Oneonta, NY, he was the son of Willis D., Sr., and Pearle (Underwood Adams) Calkins.
He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1941, and from RCA Institutes in New York the following year.
Employed as a transmitting technician by RCA Global Communications in Rocky Point, NY, at what was then the largest radio transmitting station in the world, Willis worked there for 35 years. In March of 1945, he was one of a group of 12 men who went overseas for 14 months to construct a radio station in Berlin. He also spent part of that time in Paris. After the Rocky Point facility closed in 1978, Willis worked for ITT World Com in Hauppauge, NY for 9 years.
Willis and his first wife, Jeanne Miller of Flushing, NY, raised their two daughters in Miller Place, NY, where they were active in their church. Willis served as a deacon, missions treasurer, and sang in the choir. He also wrote 3 original plays for the Sunday School Christmas program.
After the death of his wife, he moved back upstate to be near family. He lived in Erie Village in East Syracuse for about 15 years before having to be transferred to a nursing home. During that time, he met and married his second wife, Jean (Fowler) Carner of Manlius. They were members of Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius. Willis was a faithful Christian, an intelligent and gentle man of humor and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his wife Jean; his two daughters, Marjorie Edwards of Manlius and The Rev. Linda Calkins of Silver Spring, MD; four grandchildren, Benjamin Lebron, David Guilford, Candace Bell, and Rachael Lebron; and four great-grandchildren. He also had 3 grown stepchildren and two special young ladies whom he took under his wing after the deaths of their own fathers.
Calling hour will be held at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, today, Sunday, Feb. 23 from 2-3 pm. A service will follow immediately, the Rev. Mick Keville officiating.
All are invited to a reception at Christ Church parish hall, 407 East Seneca St., Manlius after the service.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Crossroads Community Church, 1751 Fyler Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.
He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1941, and from RCA Institutes in New York the following year.
Employed as a transmitting technician by RCA Global Communications in Rocky Point, NY, at what was then the largest radio transmitting station in the world, Willis worked there for 35 years. In March of 1945, he was one of a group of 12 men who went overseas for 14 months to construct a radio station in Berlin. He also spent part of that time in Paris. After the Rocky Point facility closed in 1978, Willis worked for ITT World Com in Hauppauge, NY for 9 years.
Willis and his first wife, Jeanne Miller of Flushing, NY, raised their two daughters in Miller Place, NY, where they were active in their church. Willis served as a deacon, missions treasurer, and sang in the choir. He also wrote 3 original plays for the Sunday School Christmas program.
After the death of his wife, he moved back upstate to be near family. He lived in Erie Village in East Syracuse for about 15 years before having to be transferred to a nursing home. During that time, he met and married his second wife, Jean (Fowler) Carner of Manlius. They were members of Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius. Willis was a faithful Christian, an intelligent and gentle man of humor and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his wife Jean; his two daughters, Marjorie Edwards of Manlius and The Rev. Linda Calkins of Silver Spring, MD; four grandchildren, Benjamin Lebron, David Guilford, Candace Bell, and Rachael Lebron; and four great-grandchildren. He also had 3 grown stepchildren and two special young ladies whom he took under his wing after the deaths of their own fathers.
Calling hour will be held at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, today, Sunday, Feb. 23 from 2-3 pm. A service will follow immediately, the Rev. Mick Keville officiating.
All are invited to a reception at Christ Church parish hall, 407 East Seneca St., Manlius after the service.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Crossroads Community Church, 1751 Fyler Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.