Calvin Theodore Burkett Jr., 81, of Nevada, Texas passed away Tuesday October 23, 2012, with the love and support of his family. Calvin was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma to parents Calvin Theodore Burkett Sr. and Mary Kathleen Burkett. He spent his younger years living in Chickasha and then later moving to Oklahoma City. In 1949, Calvin graduated from Capitol Hill High School, after his graduation he joined the Marine Reserve. He was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1950. Just a few days after his discharge from the Marine reserves he married the love of his life Norma Jean Burkett on December 10, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Calvin then moved to Plano, Texas with his wife and family Calvin III, Christina, and Kyle where they resided as a family into the mid 1990’s. During his time in Plano he was an active volunteer in the community, providing many contributions such as; building bird houses for the local nursing homes and delivering the dolls that Norma made. Also, each Friday evening he attended the Plano Senior High School football games, where he would direct traffic. Calvin and his wife also enjoyed ballroom dancing on a regular basis. Calvin had a full career at Texas Instruments and after more than 25 years of employment he retired from the company to enjoy his hobbies in life.
In 1995 Calvin moved to a 3 acre farm which overlooked Lake Lavon in Nevada, Texas. There Calvin was better able to appreciate his passion for fishing, gardening, raising livestock, and enjoying his bird watching while sitting on his front porch. When not enjoying the outside world Calvin consumed his time reading books, listening to classical music, or working on crossword puzzles. He always had an active mind and would nurture it with puzzles, nature movies, and especially History, more specifically Egyptology. Calvin was also blessed with the gift of wit. He always knew how to turn any situation humorous, and would do so at every opportunity he could. When asked, “How are you feeling today, Pop?” He’d typically respond “with both hands.”
Calvin was a very special man and left this world leaving a mark on all that knew him. He is survived by his son Calvin Burkett III, daughter Christina Leney, son Kyle Burkett and wife Lana. Calvin had 5 grandchildren; Jason Leney, Heather Joshua and husband Jon, Justin Burkett and wife Susan, Jamieson Burkett, and Lindsey Burkett. As well, he had 10 great grandchildren; Jasmine, Kayleigh, Jaclynn, Tyler, Kendall, Brandon, Abigail, Dakota, Kimber, and Eli.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow in Allen, Texas. Interment will be held immediately following the service at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the funeral home.