Milton Calander Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Milton Calander Jr, age 74, on December 9th, 2024. Milt was born on December 13, 1949 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Margaret (Cooper) Calander and Milton Calander Sr. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Conrad. He is survived by his loving wife, Roseanne, his children Philip Calander (Vanessa), Peter Calander (Chelsea), Lindsay Brumbelow (BoDon), Chelsie Jones, Shaina Jones; his grandchildren Kennedie (Juan Esparza), Brylie, Emorie (Jose Bernal), Jaylie, Kayla, Tessa, Havyn, Henry, and Eddie: his great-grandchildren Mateo and Genesis; his sister Jo-Ann Greene (Doug); aunt Caroline Cleveland (Dave); his uncle Bill Cooper; his nieces Lisa Lino and Wendy Panella; his nephews Drew Doblar and Chris Applegate.

Milt was raised in Maple Heights, Ohio where he enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially baseball. He became the youngest certified scuba diver in Ohio.

After graduating from high school in 1967, he served in the Army as part of the 472nd division of Military Police in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was there that he began his lifelong study of martial arts. He studied and became proficient in the teaching of Shuri Ryu karate as taught by Grandmaster Robert Trias and his life in Phoenix, Arizona. He traveled all over the world and throughout the United States teaching, competing, and refereeing for the Unites States Karate Alliance (USKA). He achieved Master status as a ninth-degree black belt and was inducted into the Trias International Society. He was the Master of Ceremonies at USKA National and World tournaments, is a USKA Hall of Fame member, and was on the USKA Board of Directors. Below is a link with a biography by Conway Wong, one of Milt’s students and closest friends. It details Milt’s extensive achievements. https://www.shurikaratestl.com/history-of-karate/master-milt-calander

For more information about Milt's Veteran's Legacy, please visit https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/MILTONCALANDERJR/a85dc1

Milt attended Arizona State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Education. He had his own woodworking business, built custom furniture, started and operated his own martial arts school, and became a teacher at Franklin Elementary in Mesa, Arizona. Throughout both of these lengthy teaching careers, he touched the lives of countless children and adults.

Milt was known for his intelligence, his wonderful stories, and his sense of humor. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends and will forever be in our hearts.

Milt will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on January 17th at 2:30 PM. The burial will be for family and close friends only. A memorial service for Milt will be held at 2:00 PM on January 18th at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Arizona. All are welcome to attend.