Melvin Palmer Calkins, 89, passed away February 18, 2024, in Eagle, Idaho.
Melvin was born on March 8, 1934, in Burley, Idaho. He was the second of five children. As a young teenager he dug potatoes and sugar beets for Simplot because that is what you did when you live in potato country. At age 16 he went to work for a local brick yard in Burley. He met Janet in 1957. She was the love of his life, and they married on December 6, 1957. They just celebrated that love of 66 years with family and friends in their home.
Shortly after they married, they moved to Boise. Melvin continued to work for Pullman Brick Company and the companies that bought Pullman until he retired. Melvin and Janet started to study the bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. They were baptized January 13, 1962, on a very cold winter’s day in a small horse trough. They raised six kids to know Jehovah. They Also have 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Melvin loved being a witness of his God, Jehovah. He couldn’t wait to read the watchtower and awake magazines when he received them in the mail. He always took the older kids in service. They were always the first family at every meeting at the kingdom Hall.
He loved the ministry, and he loved Jehovah, his family, and the congregation. He served as an elder for many years, one of his greatest joys. He loved visiting not only with his family but also his spiritual family. He truly loved everyone. He loved talking about his God Jehovah he was able to witness even in the hospital this is his beautiful life.