Walter Dean Calvert

Dean also known as Walt, Major Calvert, Dad, and Papa was born to George F. and Martha Calvert on August 8, 1948 in Peoria, IL, the youngest of their ten children, loved and spoiled by all.

After high school in Peoria, Dean enlisted in the Marines at 19, going directly to Vietnam, where he served two tours. During his military career, he also spent time stationed in Okinawa, and served in Desert Storm, ascending to the final rank of Major. On July 8, 1972. Dean and Iva Willene Taylor married, and by mid-77 were parenting two daughters. Retiring from the Marine Corps after 26 years' service, Dean embraced a 27-year second career in real estate, handling both sales and property management. At the time of his retirement in 2020, Dean had been the owner and broker of Burkett Co Realtors for much of his real estate career.

Generosity was one of Dean's hallmarks, anything someone needed that was in his power to give, was theirs; he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. Just one example of his generosity is the countless hours he spent every year working with Willene on Pecan Grove Garden Clubs fund raiser bird houses. Dean was active in organizations that supported Yuma's youth, and various other philanthropic efforts. He could fix anything, and was available any time someone called on him for help.

Dean was a hard worker who played hard, too, enjoying opportunities to spend time with friends. On weekends, he could be found on the golf course with his buddies, always starting off with a Bloody Mary, and ending with four beers. As a result of his time in the military, Dean was heavily involved in the American Legion, where he and his many friends socialized, and served the Yuma community through Post 19. Family time was also important to Dean, and he was always present for occasions, as well as the grandkids band performances, sports events, graduations, and such. He appreciated life's simple pleasures- chocolate chip cookies, ice cream cones, cartoons, and ice cold Bud Lights.

Dean is survived by his daughters, Carrie (Tom) Safranek and Lori (Augie) Clarkson, grandchildren, Steven (Jacqueline) Safranek, Hailey (Chad) Curry, Taylor and Brody Clarkson, and siblings, John (Dixie) Calvert, Della Shelton, Mayce (Chuck) Colclasure, William (Sandra) Calvert, Ann Williams, and besties, Larry and Karen Lord.

He was preceded in death by Willene, his wife of 47 years, his parents, George and Martha Calvert, and four siblings, Katherine Edenburn, Margaret Oats, George Calvert, and Ruby Bee.

Dean's infectious, ready smile and pleasant company will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Dean's life, Drinks on Dean will be held on March 6, 2021, at 5pm at American Legion Post 19, 2575 S. Virginia Drive, Yuma. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a cause dear to Dean's heart, the Veterans Assistance Organization at American Legion Post 19.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Calvert family.