Ronald Ray Calkins, 1932-2021

Ronald Ray Calkins of Round Rock died on Feb. 23, 2021 at age 88. Ron was born in Clovis, N.M. to Leon (Jack) and Alma Dorothy (Ray) Calkins. He grew up there with his brother, Noel, and graduated from Clovis High School in 1950. He received a bachelor of science degree in 1955 and master of arts degree in 1956 from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

He married Barbara Wess of Clovis in 1955 and entered the Air Force Navigator Flying School at Ellington Field near Houston in 1956. Upon graduation, he joined the Weather Reconnaissance squadron near Fairbanks, Alaska.

He traveled the world on air-sampling missions for atmospheric nuclear tests and was occasionally called upon during the storm season to track and penetrate hurricanes and typhoons. Later he joined a unit to fly on aircraft conducting low altitude tactical electronic warfare missions in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Ron was selected by the Air Force to study full-time to earn a doctor of philosophy degree which was awarded by the University of Denver in 1971. Subsequently, he was a department head and professor of research management at the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Logistics Management at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He was the author of several publications and named an outstanding professor. Later, he was the head of a unit selected to develop the curriculum and become the first mandatory technical school for Air Force personnel entering the Air Force Education and Training career fields.

Ron earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals and other awards and decorations. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he started working as a proposal writer for Vought Aircraft in Dallas which later became part of Northrop-Grumman. Ron retired as a training manager. He was a light sport aircraft owner and pilot for 25 years.

Upon retiring in 1998, Ron and Barbara moved to Mineola. He was an active member of the Catholic church where he served on the parish council, was a choir member and lector for several years. He was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Kiwanis club. He was a laid-back member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Experimental Aircraft Association and Turkey Hill Gun Club. He enjoyed reading, workshop and RV traveling. 

Ron served God, his family and his country well. He never met a stranger and was a natural entertainer, terrific dancer and storyteller. He was loved by countless friends made around the world.

Ron is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; eldest child, Catharine and husband Art Kepes of Sullivan’s Island, S.C. and their children Ben, Rachel and husband Leland Ferriter, Victoria and Roman; middle child, Craig and wife, Robin (Lilly) of Littleton, Colo. and their children Dillon and Cassidy; youngest child, Julie and husband Gordon Anderson of Round Rock and their children Lindsay and husband Ryan Ledford, Samantha and husband Carlos Froelich and Jack Anderson. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Finley Kepes and Reagan Ledford. He also is survived by three nephews, Kirk Calkins, Jack Lee Calkins and Charles Calkins.  

A special thank you to the staff and wonderful caregivers at Franklin Park memory care in Teravista who cared for and loved Ron the last 17 months of his life. There were many happy memories made there and lots of sunshine spread. Eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Alzheimer’s Association, Capital of Texas Chapter, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 206, Austin, Texas 78735.

A visitation was held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Beck Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass was at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Round Rock.

Graveside services with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 in Lawn Haven Cemetery, Clovis N.M. Arrangements by Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Road 620, Austin Texas.