Obituary of Vinson Calkins

Vinson Albert Calkins May 30, 1922 - April 9, 2010 Vinson Albert Calkins was born in Frenchtown Township on May 30, 1922. He was the son of the late Edgar Russell and the late Georgianna (St. Pierre) Calkins. He attended the Loranger and Stoney Creek Schools. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Air Corps, awarded the American Theater W.W. II Victory and Good Conduct Medals. Vinson married the former Eleanor Betty Hoffman at Zion Lutheran Church on October 3, 1942. From this union came the birth of ten children. He worked for more than forty-three years as a machine repairman. He worked for several different companies before retiring in 1987 from Guardian Industries of Carleton. Vinson was an avid baseball fan, and enjoyed watching a good game. He could usually be found wrenching on automobiles or just fixing things. He was also a deer hunter and and fisherman. He loved to help others, especially his children, and one of his favorite pastime was playing cards usually euchre and pinochle. Vinson age 87 of Monroe passed away at 6:45am, Friday, April 9, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his beloved wife of nearly sixty years: Eleanor on April 24, 2002 a brother: Stanley; and two sisters: Leona (Ben) Barr and Helen (Lavern) Barron; one grandchild, three great grandchildren, one half brother, and four half sisters. He leaves to cherish his memory ten children: Vinson L. (Rebecca) of Monroe, Ashley F. (Charlene) of Monroe, Rebecca J. (Walter) Weyher of Ida, Christine (Mike) Pitock of Carleton, Burton P. (Twila) of Carleton, Matilda F. Taylor of Detroit, Charles A. (Beverly) of Clio, Michigan, Frederick L. (Jill) of Newport, Rhoda (Greg) Smith of Newport, Steven S. Calkins of Monroe; twenty-three grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, two sisters: Adeline (Marian) Hunter and Phyllis (Ralph) Smock both of Monroe; and a brother: Edgar E. Calkins of Monroe. Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 8:00pm, Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am; Monday, April 12, 2010 also at Merkle's with the Rev. Terry Cashmer pastor of Christ the King Southgate officiating. Cremation will follow and burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle. Memorials may be made to Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. Online words of inspiration and comfort at www.merklefuneralservice.com; the Life Stories page.