Myron Donald Calkins

Calkins, Myron Donald. It is with deep sorrow that the family of Myron Calkins announces his peaceful passing at age 91 on Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Ventura California. Myron was born October 1, 1919 in Tacoma, Washington to Donald James Fernando and Mabel Bryant Adams Calkins and lived most of his life in Tacoma and Kansas City, Missouri.

Graduating with honors in Civil Engineering from Washington State University (WSU), he became a registered Professional Engineer and was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Tau engineering honoraries. He subsequently worked for the US Geological Survey and served in the US Navy during World War II. Following the war, Myron spent his career in public service to the people of Tacoma and Kansas City. He worked for the City of Tacoma for 16 years; beginning as a design engineer and progressing to the position of City Engineer. In 1964, Myron was appointed Director of Public Works for the city of Kansas City, Missouri and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1986.

During his career, Myron was a strong advocate for the public works profession and was a member and leader in many professional organizations. He served in numerous capacities within the American Public Works Association (APWA), including National President, as well as many other professional organizations and educational institutions in the Kansas City area. He received an abundance of awards throughout his career and was honored for excellence and service by APWA, University of Missouri, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, WSU and the American Society of Civil Engineers to name a few.

Myron believed passionately in giving back to his community. He was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church: Saint Luke’s Memorial Church in Tacoma and Church of the Good Shepherd in Kansas City. He offered his time and talents not only to the church, but to many service organizations and charities serving the needy, elderly, battered women and mentally challenged.

Myron was preceded in death by his wives: Nettie Alice Overman Calkins from 1942 until her death in 1978 and Lenore Jacob Calkins from 1979 until her death in 2003. He is survived by his two sisters Amy Brandon of Port Townsend WA and Jeanellen Hendrickson of Seattle WA; daughter Susan Morehart (Dennis Lea) of Simi Valley CA; sons Ron Calkins (Janis) of Oak View CA and Don Calkins (Debbie) of Irvine CA; step-sons Tom Jacob (Joyce) of Colorado Springs CO and Craig Jacob of Glendale CA; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Myron was a very generous, thoughtful, and giving person who loved his family and his community. We will miss him immensely. He felt blessed in life and we pray for his peace.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday November 11, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 4947 NE Chouteau Dr, Kansas City, MO. It is requested that donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd. Myron’s final resting place will be next to his first wife Nettie in the columbarium at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Tacoma WA.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, California.