Donald David Calvert

September 22, 1942 – October 5, 2026

Donald David “Don” Calvert, 84, passed away on October 5th, 2026. He was born on September 22nd, 1942 in Lehigh, Oklahoma to Jollie Calvert and Ruth Polk Calvert.

Don graduated from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, OK in 1963. At the school for the Deaf he learned American Sign Language, played football and became part of the Deaf community. There he first met Linda Sue Dick, who he would later marry on August 10th, 1981 in Tulsa, OK.

Don spent his life working as a commercial carpenter and millwright industrial machine mechanic. He enjoyed traveling across the country from jobsite to jobsite and often worked alongside other Deaf tradesmen. Don often reflected on the various buildings he worked on, telling stories about framing out the latest and greatest casinos in Las Vegas during the 1990’s to several high rise buildings in downtown Tulsa along and various buildings in Southeastern Oklahoma, including the old Valley View hospital in Ada.

His work ethic was something that followed him throughout his life. Even when his children were young, his coworkers would often tell them what a hard worker their father was, a testament to the respect Don earned from the people who worked alongside him.

When Don wasn't at work he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, watching OU football, and working on his vehicles. He was the kind of man who liked to stay busy, he was always building something, working around the house, or pursuing one of his many projects. He loved to joke around, tell stories and share old memories along with learning new things. His love of working with his hands reflected the same patience, determination, and pride that he brought to his career and his family life.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Sue Calvert of Coalgate, OK; his son Matt Sven Calvert and wife Ratna Shrestha Calvert of Ada, OK; his son Brian Sahen Calvert and wife Joyce Marie Calvert along with his beloved grandson, Brayden Lane Calvert of Pottsboro, TX; half-brother Paul Sweeney Jr of Sapulpa, OK; niece Candy Mosher of Neenah, WI and dearly loved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Edward Alexander Calvert and Luticia Morgan Calvert; maternal grandparents Pascal Lee Polk and Love King Jarratt Polk; parents Jollie Calvert and Ruth Polk Calvert Sweeney; step-father Paul Sweeney; brothers Carlos Lee Calvert and Mark Wayne Calvert; sister Sue Emogene Downard and brother-in-law John Downward; niece Connie Downard and nephew Johnny Downward, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don's life was defined by hard work, family, and a willingness to always stay busy and keep moving forward. He leaves behind not only the things he built with his hands, but also the memories, lessons, and love he gave to his greatest work; his family. Don’s memory will live on in those who loved him.

Pallbearers: Matt Calvert, Brian Calvert, Tagus Horton, Jeff Glass, Levi Bolgrien, Evan Ward, Chris Woods

Honorary Pallbearers: Brayden Calvert, Forrest Calvert, Michael Talley, Shane Talley, Chad Downard, Chris Perreault, Joey Mosher, Jeremy Mosher