William D. Calvert, Sr.

William Dean Calvert, Sr., was born on February 2, 1925 in Independence, MO, the son of William Brook Calvert and Julia Mae (Murphy) Calvert. He died the morning of May 3, 2020 in Topeka, KS.

Bill and his eight siblings were raised in Independence by their parents who operated the Calvert Dairy. He remembered fondly the summers his mom and dad had to send him and his sister Frances to live with their grandparents in Neosho, MO because they couldn't provide for all the children. This wasn't an uncommon practice in the 1930's. In those days, he loved listening to his granddad read the Bible and pray each evening. Bill attended Manual High School in Kansas City, MO.

He began his career as an elevator mechanic in Kansas City with the company then known as Anderson-Priest. He worked for the company repairing elevators in the Topeka area, including Stormont-Vail Hospital, Macy's and the Capitol Building. He retired from Montgomery Elevator Company after 32 years of service.

Bill married Wanda Lou Griffith in 1945. She preceded him in death in 1950. From this union was born a daughter Wanda Dean (Calvert) Carlson. He married Bernice Lavene Rush in 1952. She preceded him in death in 1969. From this union were born Sandra (Darrel) Dunham, Karen Ross, and William Dean Calvert, Jr. (Christina). He moved with his young families between KC and Topeka with the elevator company over the years. He enjoyed attending dances in his younger years and water skiing and boating at Lake Shawnee with his family. Bill was also preceded in death by his brothers, George (infant) and Reece and sisters, Ruth McGaughey and Ruby Hill. He is survived by his sister Frances Zeller and brothers John, Donald, and Roger. Also surviving are his children Wanda, Sandra, Karen, and William, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill would also want to acknowledge his caregiver, Deb Edwards, a long time family friend, who in recent years met with him each morning to go over meds, blood pressure, music, and life.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Mount Hope Cemetery Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral chapel one hour prior to the service.

Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

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