Obituary for Leland David Calvert Sr.
Leland David Calvert, Sr was born on March 14, 1929, to Morris and Iva Lee Calvert, in Forreston, Texas. He joined the Heavenly Father February 11, 2023. Leland was born on the land where he lived most of his life, where he raised his family. Leland married his sweetheart, Eva Shiplett in 1951 and the two shared 71 years together. They lovingly raised four children – David, Randy, Leanne, and Clint- and delighted in 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
From a young age, Leland was a gifted horseman. He broke and rode horses. He often rode his horse, Lucky Strike, to Forreston High School, where he attended. Leland was also athletic; he played basketball on his high school’s team where they beat every team in Ellis County, including Waxahachie! Additionally, Leland was a Boy Scout – he loved the outdoors and hunting. He earned their highest rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation Leland furthered his education attending college before deciding to join the United States Navy in 1948. He qualified for pilot, though his daddy asked him not to fly. He honored his father’s wishes and became an AE3 (Aviation Electrician). Leland began farming in 1971 and was manager of The Ellis County Grainery for 13 years. He participated in research trials for The Ellis County Pest management Association for many years.
Leland was deeply invested in his community. He joined Forreston Baptist Church in 1951, after he married Eva, and soon became a church Deacon. He was a Master Mason and also a member of The Eastern Star. He served 15 years on the Texas Cotton Growers Association, four terms on the Forreston ISD school board, three terms on the Waxahachie ISD school board, was a charter member of Forreston Water Board where he served for 69 years, was President of the Forreston Cemetery Board, served as Farm Bureau Director, was a charter member of the Ellis County Appraisal District board, and a former member of the Ellis County Sheriff Posse.
He was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Iva Lee Calvert, and brother Morris Edwin “Ted” Calvert.
Leland is survived by his beloved wife Eva Calvert; children David Calvert and wife Carol of Forreston, Randy Calvert and wife Janet of Celina, Leanne Kelley and husband Bill of Waxahachie, and Dr Clint Calvert and wife Laura of Grandview; grandchildren Lee Calvert and wife Crystal, Claire Stewart and husband Trell, Emily Calvert, Katie Most and husband Bobby, Jarratt Calvert and wife Rebecca, Clay Kelley and wife Jocelyn, Cassi Gonzalez and husband Gabe, Evagail Calvert, Morris Calvert and Reed Calvert; and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held for friends and family Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Forreston Baptist Church at 947 Forreston Road, Waxahachie, Texas 75165.
From a young age, Leland was a gifted horseman. He broke and rode horses. He often rode his horse, Lucky Strike, to Forreston High School, where he attended. Leland was also athletic; he played basketball on his high school’s team where they beat every team in Ellis County, including Waxahachie! Additionally, Leland was a Boy Scout – he loved the outdoors and hunting. He earned their highest rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation Leland furthered his education attending college before deciding to join the United States Navy in 1948. He qualified for pilot, though his daddy asked him not to fly. He honored his father’s wishes and became an AE3 (Aviation Electrician). Leland began farming in 1971 and was manager of The Ellis County Grainery for 13 years. He participated in research trials for The Ellis County Pest management Association for many years.
Leland was deeply invested in his community. He joined Forreston Baptist Church in 1951, after he married Eva, and soon became a church Deacon. He was a Master Mason and also a member of The Eastern Star. He served 15 years on the Texas Cotton Growers Association, four terms on the Forreston ISD school board, three terms on the Waxahachie ISD school board, was a charter member of Forreston Water Board where he served for 69 years, was President of the Forreston Cemetery Board, served as Farm Bureau Director, was a charter member of the Ellis County Appraisal District board, and a former member of the Ellis County Sheriff Posse.
He was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Iva Lee Calvert, and brother Morris Edwin “Ted” Calvert.
Leland is survived by his beloved wife Eva Calvert; children David Calvert and wife Carol of Forreston, Randy Calvert and wife Janet of Celina, Leanne Kelley and husband Bill of Waxahachie, and Dr Clint Calvert and wife Laura of Grandview; grandchildren Lee Calvert and wife Crystal, Claire Stewart and husband Trell, Emily Calvert, Katie Most and husband Bobby, Jarratt Calvert and wife Rebecca, Clay Kelley and wife Jocelyn, Cassi Gonzalez and husband Gabe, Evagail Calvert, Morris Calvert and Reed Calvert; and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held for friends and family Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Forreston Baptist Church at 947 Forreston Road, Waxahachie, Texas 75165.