November 29, 1938 - May 7, 2026
Charles Lawrence Calvin was born Nov. 29, 1938, to Ray and Lila (Barnes) Calvin in the Olive area. He departed this life May 7, 2026, at the age of 87 years at his home in Bristow, surrounded by his family.
Charles was a 1957 graduate of Bristow High School and remained a lifelong resident.
He and Dixie Whitley were united in marriage April 14, 1961, in Tulsa. Of this marriage they had four children, three through birth and one through love: Vlesta Lomax, David Calvin, Vicki Calvin, and Angie O’Neal.
He worked all his life operating heavy equipment, working on construction projects from California to New Jersey. He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Union.
Charles was a dedicated family man with a strong work ethic. His and Dixie’s home was always open and welcoming to family and friends who may have needed a place to call home for a night or a year, in some cases for a lifetime. Charles was a father figure to many. His grandchildren kept him young and brought him great joy with adventure around every corner. Charles could always make time for a great western movie with his dog Oliver. No matter the situation, Charles could be counted on to crack a joke and make anyone smile. He will be remembered for his love of the Oklahoma Sooners, the Beach Boys, anything and everything related to the solar system and NASA, his funny story telling, and playing Free Cell.
Charles is survived by his wife, Dixie; three children, David Calvin, (wife Christy), Vicki Calvin, and Angie O’Neal, (husband Jason), all of Bristow; two brothers and sisters- in law, Donald and Sandy Calvin, and Thomas and Carol Calvin, all of Bristow; brotherin- law Donald Taylor, sisterin- law Mary Ansley, both of Smithland, TX; 13 grandchildren: Sam Calvin, Allie Jade Allen, Emily Calvin, Josh Lomax, Brent Lomax, Zac Freistedt, Hunter Ledbetter, Jeffrie O’Neal, Brice Calvin, Holly Calvin, Gus Haskins, Bailey Ledbetter and Carlee O’Neal, eight great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins he treasured.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lila Calvin, daughter Vlesta, one sister, Pauline Wilson, and one brother, George Calvin.
A celebration of life service was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Bristow.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.matherlyfuneralhomes.co m