Thomas “Tom” Edwin Calvert, age 90, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Thomas “Tom” Edwin Calvert, age 90, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Tom was born on January 19, 1936, in Lawrence County, Illinois, to Oran S. Calvert and Edna Monjar Calvert. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1953. Following graduation, he attended Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, and later Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana.
Tom began his career as a valued employee of the Lawrenceville Texaco and Indian Refineries, where he worked for more than 20 years. He was also a well-known and respected machinist and pipefitter, continuing his career with Davis Machine Shop and Jones Machine Shop in Bridgeport, Illinois, until his retirement.
Tom also proudly served the Lawrence-Allison Fire Department for 30 years, dedicating himself to serving and protecting his community. He retired in 1996 with the rank of Captain.
On June 10, 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Grace A. Cummins. Their love story began when they met at the Clock Café in Lawrenceville. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2025. Tom remained devotedly by Grace's side until her passing in February 2026.
Tom was a lifelong and devoted member of the Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities throughout the years. His faith was the foundation of his life. He was known for his outgoing personality, warm smile, and approachable nature, making friends wherever he went.
Tom proudly served in the Lawrenceville Army National Guard and enjoyed a variety of interests and hobbies throughout his life. He loved flying model airplanes, collecting Fostoria glassware and model trains, playing the harmonica, and even playing on a hockey team. Perhaps one of his greatest gifts was his love of storytelling. Tom was a beloved storyteller who delighted in reminiscing and sharing memories and experiences from throughout his life with family and friends.
Above all, Tom loved his family and cherished the many precious memories made with those closest to him. One of his most treasured traditions was attending camp at Wabash Park Camp and Retreat Center, a place he visited every year for 90 years. He and Grace considered Wabash Park their home away from home, and it held a very special place in their hearts.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, family, friendship, and countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace “Cummins” Calvert; his parents, Oran and Edna Calvert; his daughter, Marianne (Mark) Richey; his brothers, Marvin Calvert and David Calvert; his sister, Marjorie Ann Reed; and his daughter-in-law, Shari Calvert.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Edwin Joseph Calvert of Lawrenceville; Cyndia Calvert Kramer of Hobart, Indiana; Thomas (Shelia) Calvert of Mesa, Arizona; and James (Amie) Calvert of Lawrenceville; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, Barney (JoAnna) Cummins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church, with Pastor Russ Veldman officiating. Services are being entrusted to Emmons-Macey and Steffey Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Derr Cemetery in Pinkstaff, Illinois.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church.
