O.D. Calk

A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013, with military honors in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Mike Jones officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory, Abilene, Texas.

O.D. Calk was born September 17, 1922 to David William Calk and Annie Lela (Crawford) Calk in Downsville, Louisiana. During his childhood, he lived in Louisiana and Texas, graduating from Cross Cut High School in 1942. O.D. served his country during WWII in the United States Army, stationed primarily in the Philippines, and was awarded several medals. Upon returning to the United States, he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Jean Marshall on May 25, 1947 in Brownwood, Texas. O.D. then pursued further education at Howard Payne College in Brownwood, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree, and Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, graduating with a Master’s Degree. O.D. and his family moved to Evant, Texas where he taught Science at the high school and coached basketball. In 1953, they moved to Abilene, Texas in order for him to take a manager’s job at Foremost Dairy Products. When Foremost closed its doors, O.D. became employed as a claims adjuster for Batjer Claims Service. He continued to work there for over 34 years, the last several years as manager of the company, until his retirement. O.D. was known for his honesty and integrity in his work, always treating people fairly with their claims. After taking some time off, he worked for a local lawyer, retiring again after working for two years. He was a past member of the Cactus Lion Club, serving as President in 1963. O.D. had several hobbies at which he excelled, such as woodworking, hunting, water skiing, and fishing. He especially enjoyed building and going to his lake cabin at Oak Creek Lake, near Blackwell, Texas, for over 20 years. O.D. was a member of First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Margaret Jean Marshall Calk (May 23, 2012); his brother, Gerald; and his sister, Doris.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Jean Burfield of Abilene; a son, Darold Wayne Calk of Abilene; two grandsons, Kevin Patrick Burfield and his wife, Melinda Diane, and Joel Lee Calk, all of Abilene; sister-in-law, Joan Calk; niece, Sharon; nephew, Cliff; several other nieces and nephews, and other relatives in Louisiana and Texas; and his dog, Mikey.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 209 South Danville, Building B, Suite 109, Abilene, Texas 79605 or the American Heart Association, 149 North Willis, Abilene, Texas 79603.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com