Calvin Hathaway Adams, 87, passed from this life early Sunday morning, Feb. 8, 2009, at his home in Waco, and into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just in time to attend the Sunday Praise and Worship Service with his "darling baby", once more. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Ed Carter officiating. Interment will be at Coolidge Cemetery in Coolidge, Texas. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.
Calvin Hathaway Jr. was born in Coolidge, Texas, to the late Calvin H. Sr. "Bud" and Ethel Vinson Adams. Sugar Sonny Boy, or Baby Bud, as he was often called grew up in Colina, Munger and Coolidge, working on the farm with the Navasota River as his playground. He played football for and graduated from Coolidge High School and was a member of First Methodist Church, Coolidge. During school holidays/summers, he and friends/cousins roamed Texas via hitchhiking, taking in the sights, visiting relatives/friends, working temporarily on crews building roads in South Texas, sleeping on metal signs on the side of highways, in campsights or barracks with cousins. For several years he made the trek to Gruver, Texas, to assist the Floyd Turner Family with their harvest.
Immediately after high school he worked as a radio dispatcher at the Mexia Fire Station in Mexia; and then moved to Waco to work at R. E. Cox Department Store, with his sister, Ruth. Thru a friend he met the love of his life and future wife, Mildred Louellen Cannamore; and they enjoyed dating around downtown Waco, courting on the grounds of Waco High School, walking to all the entertainment available downtown during that time.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Calvin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and entered basic training at Biggs Air Force Base. Every other weekend he would travel back to Waco to see Mildred and alternate weekends he would spend performing "duties" for having left base the following weekend without leave. He was later transferred to Great Falls, Montana and other bases, a little too far for weekend excursions. He talked of consistently having KP since that duty started over at the top of the alphabet with every move, but its close proximity to the kitchen and plentiful food was enjoyed.
In May 1943, the 351st Bombardment Group 508th Bomb Squadron was sent to New York to board the Queen Elizabeth for their destination of Polebrook Airfield, Northamptonshire, UK, where he was stationed from April 1943 thru September of 1945, working as a B17 Flying Fortress mechanic. The Group flew 311 credited missions with 124 aircraft lost. During leave, Sergeant Adams traversed the country to try to forget the friends lost in combat; had Clark Gable as a crew member during the filming of Combat America and got to hear The Glen Miller band. He talked of sleeping next to the lifeboats on the Queen Elizabeth in lieu of the assigned bunk way below; of having his uniform stolen while asleep at the Salvation Army one cold winter night; of almost being left in Iceland on the trip home. Calvin made lifetime friends during those difficult times and in 12/08 was one of 14 remaining living of the 508th Bombardment Squadron.
Upon returning from World War II, Calvin went to work at General Tire & Rubber Co. where he was employed for 38 years, taking early retirement in 1983. He was a hard and dedicated worker, never turning down an extra shift or calling in ill. He was a loyal co-worker, declining to accept a supervisory position because he did not want his relationship with his many dear friends there to change. On Nov. 2, 1945, Calvin married Mildred Louellen Cannamore in a service performed by Dr. Dawson in the parsonage of First Baptist Church. They soon joined Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where he was baptized and where they both faithfully worshipped in person or by television for over 60 years Calvin was a member of the CABC Frank Wilson SS Class. They lived in Mrs. See's Boarding House until purchasing a new home in the "Circle" on N. 11th in the later 40's where they nurtured their two daughters in an environment of faith, love and joy.
In the 1950s, Calvin and a friend or two from General Tire decided to go to barber school in Dallas and made the trip every Saturday until obtaining barber licenses. The next month or so a school opened in Waco. Calvin barbered for Buck Lyons on Elm Street and 15th Street on Saturdays, for many years. When he became unable to cut his own hair, he would regal those who did with Buck Lyons' stories during his appointment. Calvin was a director and officer of the GenCo Federal Credit Union for many years. When he was honored for his service as he resigned during the 2001 Annual Meeting, he told how the money was originally kept in a cigar box in the early days of the credit union.
After retiring from General Tire, Calvin began transporting cars for dealers with his dear friend and neighbor, Marvin Good. Together they organized groups of retirees on a daily basis, sometimes several times a day, driving cars to destinations as close as Killeen and as far away as Tennessee and Florida. He thoroughly enjoyed this time. But when he became concerned for Mildred's safety after her 2000 back surgery, he ceased everything but grocery and other living tasks to stay by her side - where he remained until she passed away in September, 2007. With the loss of his "darling baby", a light went out that was not restored until he joined her in Heaved at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Calvin was a gentleman's gentleman, a selfless, humble, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He could and did fix everything successfully - once saying he just watched how he took it apart so he could put it back together in case he had to later ask for help, which he rarely did. He worked hard and played hard. He was never too tired after a single or double shift to take us water skiing when we would meet him at the door ready for the lake - in our boat named Jonna, because he could never say one without the other. Most weekday summer mornings during swing/graveyard shift found us on the lake early and returning home just in time for him to eat lunch, take a short nap, and head to work. He loved hunting and water skiing with the General Tire group. Every Sunday morning and evening found he and mom, and us, on the back seat at CABC. One summer he sat on the back seat in the evening service memorizing one of his favorite songs, "How Great Thou Art". In 1974, prior to becoming a grandfather for the first time, Janet began jokingly calling him "Peepaw". By the time that Aimee was born, it had been shortened to Peep and he was lovingly called that by many. He was the ultimate grandfather, playing games, loving unconditionally, etc.
While Mildred sent cards decorated with hearts, and red roses, Calvin sat close by. Although the table remains as it was on 9/7/07 and the chair now empty, we know they are together in Heaven praising our Savior and having a wonderful well-earned reunion. We are devastated and will always be, but only for us. Calvin told us he saw Ruth and Mildred prior to closing his eyes to this world and immediately entering the presence of Jesus. Our dad was a gentle, loving man, who will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but what we will remember most is his wonderful smile and the fact that he knelt by our bed with a prayer and a kiss every night of our lives at home.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Willie Ruth Adams; infant sister, Chelsea Marie; and a host of others who are rejoicing with him in Heaven.
He is survived by daughters, Donna Zemanek and husband, James, of Hewitt, and Janet Slaughter and husband, Kurt, of Lake Limestone; grandchildren, Aimee Zemanek, of Dallas, Kara Gensert and husband, Michael, of Radcliff, Ky., Jace Slaughter, of Taylor and Jantzen Slaughter, of Lake Limestone; sister-in-law, Minnie Cannamore, of Livingston; a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends; and extended family, Jackie Hawkins, Scott Ray, Lois Latham, Herman and Frances Reid, Roy and Bennie Roberts and Bruce Roberts.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 2/9/2009 - 2/10/2009...X3(2)
Calvin Hathaway Jr. was born in Coolidge, Texas, to the late Calvin H. Sr. "Bud" and Ethel Vinson Adams. Sugar Sonny Boy, or Baby Bud, as he was often called grew up in Colina, Munger and Coolidge, working on the farm with the Navasota River as his playground. He played football for and graduated from Coolidge High School and was a member of First Methodist Church, Coolidge. During school holidays/summers, he and friends/cousins roamed Texas via hitchhiking, taking in the sights, visiting relatives/friends, working temporarily on crews building roads in South Texas, sleeping on metal signs on the side of highways, in campsights or barracks with cousins. For several years he made the trek to Gruver, Texas, to assist the Floyd Turner Family with their harvest.
Immediately after high school he worked as a radio dispatcher at the Mexia Fire Station in Mexia; and then moved to Waco to work at R. E. Cox Department Store, with his sister, Ruth. Thru a friend he met the love of his life and future wife, Mildred Louellen Cannamore; and they enjoyed dating around downtown Waco, courting on the grounds of Waco High School, walking to all the entertainment available downtown during that time.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Calvin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and entered basic training at Biggs Air Force Base. Every other weekend he would travel back to Waco to see Mildred and alternate weekends he would spend performing "duties" for having left base the following weekend without leave. He was later transferred to Great Falls, Montana and other bases, a little too far for weekend excursions. He talked of consistently having KP since that duty started over at the top of the alphabet with every move, but its close proximity to the kitchen and plentiful food was enjoyed.
In May 1943, the 351st Bombardment Group 508th Bomb Squadron was sent to New York to board the Queen Elizabeth for their destination of Polebrook Airfield, Northamptonshire, UK, where he was stationed from April 1943 thru September of 1945, working as a B17 Flying Fortress mechanic. The Group flew 311 credited missions with 124 aircraft lost. During leave, Sergeant Adams traversed the country to try to forget the friends lost in combat; had Clark Gable as a crew member during the filming of Combat America and got to hear The Glen Miller band. He talked of sleeping next to the lifeboats on the Queen Elizabeth in lieu of the assigned bunk way below; of having his uniform stolen while asleep at the Salvation Army one cold winter night; of almost being left in Iceland on the trip home. Calvin made lifetime friends during those difficult times and in 12/08 was one of 14 remaining living of the 508th Bombardment Squadron.
Upon returning from World War II, Calvin went to work at General Tire & Rubber Co. where he was employed for 38 years, taking early retirement in 1983. He was a hard and dedicated worker, never turning down an extra shift or calling in ill. He was a loyal co-worker, declining to accept a supervisory position because he did not want his relationship with his many dear friends there to change. On Nov. 2, 1945, Calvin married Mildred Louellen Cannamore in a service performed by Dr. Dawson in the parsonage of First Baptist Church. They soon joined Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where he was baptized and where they both faithfully worshipped in person or by television for over 60 years Calvin was a member of the CABC Frank Wilson SS Class. They lived in Mrs. See's Boarding House until purchasing a new home in the "Circle" on N. 11th in the later 40's where they nurtured their two daughters in an environment of faith, love and joy.
In the 1950s, Calvin and a friend or two from General Tire decided to go to barber school in Dallas and made the trip every Saturday until obtaining barber licenses. The next month or so a school opened in Waco. Calvin barbered for Buck Lyons on Elm Street and 15th Street on Saturdays, for many years. When he became unable to cut his own hair, he would regal those who did with Buck Lyons' stories during his appointment. Calvin was a director and officer of the GenCo Federal Credit Union for many years. When he was honored for his service as he resigned during the 2001 Annual Meeting, he told how the money was originally kept in a cigar box in the early days of the credit union.
After retiring from General Tire, Calvin began transporting cars for dealers with his dear friend and neighbor, Marvin Good. Together they organized groups of retirees on a daily basis, sometimes several times a day, driving cars to destinations as close as Killeen and as far away as Tennessee and Florida. He thoroughly enjoyed this time. But when he became concerned for Mildred's safety after her 2000 back surgery, he ceased everything but grocery and other living tasks to stay by her side - where he remained until she passed away in September, 2007. With the loss of his "darling baby", a light went out that was not restored until he joined her in Heaved at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Calvin was a gentleman's gentleman, a selfless, humble, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He could and did fix everything successfully - once saying he just watched how he took it apart so he could put it back together in case he had to later ask for help, which he rarely did. He worked hard and played hard. He was never too tired after a single or double shift to take us water skiing when we would meet him at the door ready for the lake - in our boat named Jonna, because he could never say one without the other. Most weekday summer mornings during swing/graveyard shift found us on the lake early and returning home just in time for him to eat lunch, take a short nap, and head to work. He loved hunting and water skiing with the General Tire group. Every Sunday morning and evening found he and mom, and us, on the back seat at CABC. One summer he sat on the back seat in the evening service memorizing one of his favorite songs, "How Great Thou Art". In 1974, prior to becoming a grandfather for the first time, Janet began jokingly calling him "Peepaw". By the time that Aimee was born, it had been shortened to Peep and he was lovingly called that by many. He was the ultimate grandfather, playing games, loving unconditionally, etc.
While Mildred sent cards decorated with hearts, and red roses, Calvin sat close by. Although the table remains as it was on 9/7/07 and the chair now empty, we know they are together in Heaven praising our Savior and having a wonderful well-earned reunion. We are devastated and will always be, but only for us. Calvin told us he saw Ruth and Mildred prior to closing his eyes to this world and immediately entering the presence of Jesus. Our dad was a gentle, loving man, who will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but what we will remember most is his wonderful smile and the fact that he knelt by our bed with a prayer and a kiss every night of our lives at home.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Willie Ruth Adams; infant sister, Chelsea Marie; and a host of others who are rejoicing with him in Heaven.
He is survived by daughters, Donna Zemanek and husband, James, of Hewitt, and Janet Slaughter and husband, Kurt, of Lake Limestone; grandchildren, Aimee Zemanek, of Dallas, Kara Gensert and husband, Michael, of Radcliff, Ky., Jace Slaughter, of Taylor and Jantzen Slaughter, of Lake Limestone; sister-in-law, Minnie Cannamore, of Livingston; a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends; and extended family, Jackie Hawkins, Scott Ray, Lois Latham, Herman and Frances Reid, Roy and Bennie Roberts and Bruce Roberts.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 2/9/2009 - 2/10/2009...X3(2)
Calvin Hathaway Adams, 87, passed from this life early Sunday morning, Feb. 8, 2009, at his home in Waco, and into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just in time to attend the Sunday Praise and Worship Service with his "darling baby", once more. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Ed Carter officiating. Interment will be at Coolidge Cemetery in Coolidge, Texas. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey.
Calvin Hathaway Jr. was born in Coolidge, Texas, to the late Calvin H. Sr. "Bud" and Ethel Vinson Adams. Sugar Sonny Boy, or Baby Bud, as he was often called grew up in Colina, Munger and Coolidge, working on the farm with the Navasota River as his playground. He played football for and graduated from Coolidge High School and was a member of First Methodist Church, Coolidge. During school holidays/summers, he and friends/cousins roamed Texas via hitchhiking, taking in the sights, visiting relatives/friends, working temporarily on crews building roads in South Texas, sleeping on metal signs on the side of highways, in campsights or barracks with cousins. For several years he made the trek to Gruver, Texas, to assist the Floyd Turner Family with their harvest.
Immediately after high school he worked as a radio dispatcher at the Mexia Fire Station in Mexia; and then moved to Waco to work at R. E. Cox Department Store, with his sister, Ruth. Thru a friend he met the love of his life and future wife, Mildred Louellen Cannamore; and they enjoyed dating around downtown Waco, courting on the grounds of Waco High School, walking to all the entertainment available downtown during that time.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Calvin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and entered basic training at Biggs Air Force Base. Every other weekend he would travel back to Waco to see Mildred and alternate weekends he would spend performing "duties" for having left base the following weekend without leave. He was later transferred to Great Falls, Montana and other bases, a little too far for weekend excursions. He talked of consistently having KP since that duty started over at the top of the alphabet with every move, but its close proximity to the kitchen and plentiful food was enjoyed.
In May 1943, the 351st Bombardment Group 508th Bomb Squadron was sent to New York to board the Queen Elizabeth for their destination of Polebrook Airfield, Northamptonshire, UK, where he was stationed from April 1943 thru September of 1945, working as a B17 Flying Fortress mechanic. The Group flew 311 credited missions with 124 aircraft lost. During leave, Sergeant Adams traversed the country to try to forget the friends lost in combat; had Clark Gable as a crew member during the filming of Combat America and got to hear The Glen Miller band. He talked of sleeping next to the lifeboats on the Queen Elizabeth in lieu of the assigned bunk way below; of having his uniform stolen while asleep at the Salvation Army one cold winter night; of almost being left in Iceland on the trip home. Calvin made lifetime friends during those difficult times and in 12/08 was one of 14 remaining living of the 508th Bombardment Squadron.
Upon returning from World War II, Calvin went to work at General Tire & Rubber Co. where he was employed for 38 years, taking early retirement in 1983. He was a hard and dedicated worker, never turning down an extra shift or calling in ill. He was a loyal co-worker, declining to accept a supervisory position because he did not want his relationship with his many dear friends there to change. On Nov. 2, 1945, Calvin married Mildred Louellen Cannamore in a service performed by Dr. Dawson in the parsonage of First Baptist Church. They soon joined Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where he was baptized and where they both faithfully worshipped in person or by television for over 60 years Calvin was a member of the CABC Frank Wilson SS Class. They lived in Mrs. See's Boarding House until purchasing a new home in the "Circle" on N. 11th in the later 40's where they nurtured their two daughters in an environment of faith, love and joy.
In the 1950s, Calvin and a friend or two from General Tire decided to go to barber school in Dallas and made the trip every Saturday until obtaining barber licenses. The next month or so a school opened in Waco. Calvin barbered for Buck Lyons on Elm Street and 15th Street on Saturdays, for many years. When he became unable to cut his own hair, he would regal those who did with Buck Lyons' stories during his appointment. Calvin was a director and officer of the GenCo Federal Credit Union for many years. When he was honored for his service as he resigned during the 2001 Annual Meeting, he told how the money was originally kept in a cigar box in the early days of the credit union.
After retiring from General Tire, Calvin began transporting cars for dealers with his dear friend and neighbor, Marvin Good. Together they organized groups of retirees on a daily basis, sometimes several times a day, driving cars to destinations as close as Killeen and as far away as Tennessee and Florida. He thoroughly enjoyed this time. But when he became concerned for Mildred's safety after her 2000 back surgery, he ceased everything but grocery and other living tasks to stay by her side - where he remained until she passed away in September, 2007. With the loss of his "darling baby", a light went out that was not restored until he joined her in Heaved at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Calvin was a gentleman's gentleman, a selfless, humble, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He could and did fix everything successfully - once saying he just watched how he took it apart so he could put it back together in case he had to later ask for help, which he rarely did. He worked hard and played hard. He was never too tired after a single or double shift to take us water skiing when we would meet him at the door ready for the lake - in our boat named Jonna, because he could never say one without the other. Most weekday summer mornings during swing/graveyard shift found us on the lake early and returning home just in time for him to eat lunch, take a short nap, and head to work. He loved hunting and water skiing with the General Tire group. Every Sunday morning and evening found he and mom, and us, on the back seat at CABC. One summer he sat on the back seat in the evening service memorizing one of his favorite songs, "How Great Thou Art". In 1974, prior to becoming a grandfather for the first time, Janet began jokingly calling him "Peepaw". By the time that Aimee was born, it had been shortened to Peep and he was lovingly called that by many. He was the ultimate grandfather, playing games, loving unconditionally, etc.
While Mildred sent cards decorated with hearts, and red roses, Calvin sat close by. Although the table remains as it was on 9/7/07 and the chair now empty, we know they are together in Heaven praising our Savior and having a wonderful well-earned reunion. We are devastated and will always be, but only for us. Calvin told us he saw Ruth and Mildred prior to closing his eyes to this world and immediately entering the presence of Jesus. Our dad was a gentle, loving man, who will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but what we will remember most is his wonderful smile and the fact that he knelt by our bed with a prayer and a kiss every night of our lives at home.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Willie Ruth Adams; infant sister, Chelsea Marie; and a host of others who are rejoicing with him in Heaven.
He is survived by daughters, Donna Zemanek and husband, James, of Hewitt, and Janet Slaughter and husband, Kurt, of Lake Limestone; grandchildren, Aimee Zemanek, of Dallas, Kara Gensert and husband, Michael, of Radcliff, Ky., Jace Slaughter, of Taylor and Jantzen Slaughter, of Lake Limestone; sister-in-law, Minnie Cannamore, of Livingston; a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends; and extended family, Jackie Hawkins, Scott Ray, Lois Latham, Herman and Frances Reid, Roy and Bennie Roberts and Bruce Roberts.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 2/9/2009 - 2/10/2009...X3(2)
Calvin Hathaway Jr. was born in Coolidge, Texas, to the late Calvin H. Sr. "Bud" and Ethel Vinson Adams. Sugar Sonny Boy, or Baby Bud, as he was often called grew up in Colina, Munger and Coolidge, working on the farm with the Navasota River as his playground. He played football for and graduated from Coolidge High School and was a member of First Methodist Church, Coolidge. During school holidays/summers, he and friends/cousins roamed Texas via hitchhiking, taking in the sights, visiting relatives/friends, working temporarily on crews building roads in South Texas, sleeping on metal signs on the side of highways, in campsights or barracks with cousins. For several years he made the trek to Gruver, Texas, to assist the Floyd Turner Family with their harvest.
Immediately after high school he worked as a radio dispatcher at the Mexia Fire Station in Mexia; and then moved to Waco to work at R. E. Cox Department Store, with his sister, Ruth. Thru a friend he met the love of his life and future wife, Mildred Louellen Cannamore; and they enjoyed dating around downtown Waco, courting on the grounds of Waco High School, walking to all the entertainment available downtown during that time.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Calvin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and entered basic training at Biggs Air Force Base. Every other weekend he would travel back to Waco to see Mildred and alternate weekends he would spend performing "duties" for having left base the following weekend without leave. He was later transferred to Great Falls, Montana and other bases, a little too far for weekend excursions. He talked of consistently having KP since that duty started over at the top of the alphabet with every move, but its close proximity to the kitchen and plentiful food was enjoyed.
In May 1943, the 351st Bombardment Group 508th Bomb Squadron was sent to New York to board the Queen Elizabeth for their destination of Polebrook Airfield, Northamptonshire, UK, where he was stationed from April 1943 thru September of 1945, working as a B17 Flying Fortress mechanic. The Group flew 311 credited missions with 124 aircraft lost. During leave, Sergeant Adams traversed the country to try to forget the friends lost in combat; had Clark Gable as a crew member during the filming of Combat America and got to hear The Glen Miller band. He talked of sleeping next to the lifeboats on the Queen Elizabeth in lieu of the assigned bunk way below; of having his uniform stolen while asleep at the Salvation Army one cold winter night; of almost being left in Iceland on the trip home. Calvin made lifetime friends during those difficult times and in 12/08 was one of 14 remaining living of the 508th Bombardment Squadron.
Upon returning from World War II, Calvin went to work at General Tire & Rubber Co. where he was employed for 38 years, taking early retirement in 1983. He was a hard and dedicated worker, never turning down an extra shift or calling in ill. He was a loyal co-worker, declining to accept a supervisory position because he did not want his relationship with his many dear friends there to change. On Nov. 2, 1945, Calvin married Mildred Louellen Cannamore in a service performed by Dr. Dawson in the parsonage of First Baptist Church. They soon joined Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where he was baptized and where they both faithfully worshipped in person or by television for over 60 years Calvin was a member of the CABC Frank Wilson SS Class. They lived in Mrs. See's Boarding House until purchasing a new home in the "Circle" on N. 11th in the later 40's where they nurtured their two daughters in an environment of faith, love and joy.
In the 1950s, Calvin and a friend or two from General Tire decided to go to barber school in Dallas and made the trip every Saturday until obtaining barber licenses. The next month or so a school opened in Waco. Calvin barbered for Buck Lyons on Elm Street and 15th Street on Saturdays, for many years. When he became unable to cut his own hair, he would regal those who did with Buck Lyons' stories during his appointment. Calvin was a director and officer of the GenCo Federal Credit Union for many years. When he was honored for his service as he resigned during the 2001 Annual Meeting, he told how the money was originally kept in a cigar box in the early days of the credit union.
After retiring from General Tire, Calvin began transporting cars for dealers with his dear friend and neighbor, Marvin Good. Together they organized groups of retirees on a daily basis, sometimes several times a day, driving cars to destinations as close as Killeen and as far away as Tennessee and Florida. He thoroughly enjoyed this time. But when he became concerned for Mildred's safety after her 2000 back surgery, he ceased everything but grocery and other living tasks to stay by her side - where he remained until she passed away in September, 2007. With the loss of his "darling baby", a light went out that was not restored until he joined her in Heaved at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Calvin was a gentleman's gentleman, a selfless, humble, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He could and did fix everything successfully - once saying he just watched how he took it apart so he could put it back together in case he had to later ask for help, which he rarely did. He worked hard and played hard. He was never too tired after a single or double shift to take us water skiing when we would meet him at the door ready for the lake - in our boat named Jonna, because he could never say one without the other. Most weekday summer mornings during swing/graveyard shift found us on the lake early and returning home just in time for him to eat lunch, take a short nap, and head to work. He loved hunting and water skiing with the General Tire group. Every Sunday morning and evening found he and mom, and us, on the back seat at CABC. One summer he sat on the back seat in the evening service memorizing one of his favorite songs, "How Great Thou Art". In 1974, prior to becoming a grandfather for the first time, Janet began jokingly calling him "Peepaw". By the time that Aimee was born, it had been shortened to Peep and he was lovingly called that by many. He was the ultimate grandfather, playing games, loving unconditionally, etc.
While Mildred sent cards decorated with hearts, and red roses, Calvin sat close by. Although the table remains as it was on 9/7/07 and the chair now empty, we know they are together in Heaven praising our Savior and having a wonderful well-earned reunion. We are devastated and will always be, but only for us. Calvin told us he saw Ruth and Mildred prior to closing his eyes to this world and immediately entering the presence of Jesus. Our dad was a gentle, loving man, who will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but what we will remember most is his wonderful smile and the fact that he knelt by our bed with a prayer and a kiss every night of our lives at home.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Willie Ruth Adams; infant sister, Chelsea Marie; and a host of others who are rejoicing with him in Heaven.
He is survived by daughters, Donna Zemanek and husband, James, of Hewitt, and Janet Slaughter and husband, Kurt, of Lake Limestone; grandchildren, Aimee Zemanek, of Dallas, Kara Gensert and husband, Michael, of Radcliff, Ky., Jace Slaughter, of Taylor and Jantzen Slaughter, of Lake Limestone; sister-in-law, Minnie Cannamore, of Livingston; a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends; and extended family, Jackie Hawkins, Scott Ray, Lois Latham, Herman and Frances Reid, Roy and Bennie Roberts and Bruce Roberts.
Waco Tribune-Herald: 2/9/2009 - 2/10/2009...X3(2)
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