Carl E. Calkins, age 88, of Melick Street, Mount Vernon, died on Tuesday May 1, 2007 at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon. He was born on November 21, 1918 in Mount Vernon to the late Edgar and Ethel Calkins. Carl retired in 1982 after 42 years of employment as a design engineer in reciprocating for Cooper Energy Services. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had served as a trustee and elder. Carl was also a member of the Mount Zion Lodge #9 Free and Accepted Masons. He was an avid wood worker, golfer and musician. Carl enjoyed playing music, whether he was playing the organ in the Masonic Lodge or his saxophone with the Leon Mondron's Band.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Dorothy (Ackerman) Calkins, three daughters, Marilyn (Bruce) Hite of Mount Vernon, Marcia (John) Ashcraft of Fredericktown, Barbara (David) Taylor of Bellville, five grandchildren, Andrew (Sandy) Hite, Michael and Richard Ashcraft, Kevin (Kristen) Maxwell and Jennifer Maxwell, two step grandchildren, Mandy and Eric Taylor, five great grandchildren, Brian, Matthew, Alisha, Abby and Katie and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Alan Hite, a brother, Harold Calkins and four sisters, Pearl Farmer, Ruth Reese, Grace Wallace and Irene Lumm.

Friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 PM at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home where a Masonic service will follow at 8 PM. A celebration of Carl's life will be held on Saturday at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 102 North Gay Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. The family will observe a private burial in St. John Cemetery in Mount Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Eastern Star Home, 1451 Gambier Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 or to Hospice of Knox County, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.

This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com