Willard V. Calkins died Friday, February 16, in Wessington Springs, SD. A Celebration of Life for Willard V. Calkins, 94, of Wessington Springs, SD, will be held at a later date.
Willard V. Calkins was born April 30, 1929, to Vivian Roy and Frances E. (Huffman) Calkins in Waterloo, Michigan. He grew up and attended Garfield township school. His mother left his father with three children when he was six. Willard’s grandmother helped raise them, but much of the responsibility fell on his father. Willard got into a little mischief when he was young, including riding his horse, Prince, into the school, throwing a shotgun shell into the school wood stove and knocking Sonny Hatley through the school window. The hardship of having his mother leave the family and growing up throughout the great depression shaped Willard’s character. The lessons he learned made him a wonderful husband and father. Michigan endured difficult economic times but as an adult Willard always kept a job and provided for his family. This lead to a variety of employment opportunities and Willard mastered everything he laid his hand to.
Willard lived with his Dad on the ranch. He learned to care for the livestock, train, harness, hitch and drive the draft horse teams. The Calkins family were also loggers, trappers, hunters. On June 5, 1948, in Garfield Township Michigan Willard married his neighborhood sweetheart Joyce Dake and spent their honeymoon on the Milwaukee Clipper. After the war ended Willard enlisted as a Merchant Marine sailing the Great Lakes through the Saint Lawrence Seaway. As his young family grew they often relocated for employment opportunities traversing throughout the state of Michigan. Willard was an accomplished auto mechanic also trapping, hunting, logging, smelting in the steel industry and whatever it took to support his growing family. A severe economic downturn left many providers standing in bread lines in the late 1950’s. Joyce struggled with health problems and her Doctor advised the family move to a dryer climate.
In 1961, they moved to Colorado. Willard bought a newspaper and found an ad for employment as a ranch hand. He took his young son, Greg, and traveled to rural Weld County to apply. Several applicants were on hand and Willard, keeping Greg within earshot, began working with the supervisor at any chore that needed finished. At the end of the day after the last interview he had the position. Willard engaged in ranch work including management of the main ranch as well as training the large herd of horses. Willard was given opportunity to complete high school and two years of college. He attended classes during the day, working in the evenings to provide for his family. He accomplished this goal. His thirst for knowledge was endless.
In 1970 Willard and his family moved to Nebraska accepting a position as ranch manager, livestock herdsman and equine trainer. Always thirsting for knowledge in the industry, Willard attended Curtis Breeding School in Cary, IL. The AI industry was new on the horizon for cattle producers. Willard was a certified AI Technician. Contracting with local ranchers he used his AI skills implementing cross breeding cattle. This was a tough time as ranchers were used to standard breeds and did not immediately embrace new breeds. Willard also enjoyed training working cattle dogs. The couple returned to Colorado after Greg finished high school. Willard and son in law Leo Channel formed C&C Logging Company. Greg was also employed in this venture.
After the kids were all settled Willard and Joyce headed to Rock Springs, Wyoming. There he drove Eagle Buses for Zenetti Bus Lines transporting miners to and from their shifts in the Trona mines. Reaching retirement age the couple moved to Wessington Springs in 1994 where they continue to reside. Willard and son in law, Leo Channel formed an equine training and sales business Willard took on several local jobs in the area with Darrel’s RSG, Flannery Oil, Jack Links and local school bus driver.
The mainstay in Willard’s life has been his faith in Christ. He worshipped weekly until the past month due to declining health. He was an active member of the Free Methodist Church since adulthood. His journey of faith began as a young boy attending camp with Pastor Cryderman. Willard served in many capacities including Youth leader, Official Board, SS Superintendent, Vocal worship choir, Trustee, and SS teacher. Consistent church attendance for his family was always the top priority. Willard possessed the gift of music. He was a yodeler, singer and natural harmonizer. He played guitar and harmonica. Willard was a member of the NRA. Willard memorized the poems of Robert W. Service and often recited these treasures for family and friends. He loved baseball, playing for the minor league, coaching little league always reminding them to “keep your eye on the ball”. He was an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan. Willard was a jack of all trades and had to master each one. He was a loving father and strict disciplinarian.
Grateful for having shared Willard’s life are his wife: Joyce (Dake) Calkins; Sister, Nellie Swartz; Children: Valerie (Leo) Channel, April (Don) Grubb, and Greg (Jeri Clay) Calkins; grandchildren Shane, Sheila and Chad Channel; Spencer and Autumn Grubb; Justin, Nicole and Joshua Calkins; nineteen great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren as well as extended family and friends.
Preceding Willard in death are his parents, Sister Dorothy Coldiron, as well as immediate and extended family members.
