Don was born February 28, 1944, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Lila Calvin. He passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026.

In 1963, Don moved to Leadville, Colorado, to work at the Climax Mine. It was there that he met Sandra Hermann, and the two were married in June 1965. Don and Sandy eventually returned to Oklahoma in 1999 following his rewarding career at Public Service in Colorado.

Don and Sandy created a beautiful family that ultimately included four children: Frank Nance (wife Michele), Donna Kay Farrell (husband Roger), Rachel Ambrose (partner Joseph), and Kathy Blackford (husband Michael).

He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Megan (Benton), Jenny (Peyton), Brady, Kaylee (Jack), Amanda, Michael, Sydney (Jordan), Meagan, Cody (Juan), Jordan (Dan), and Tyler (Christina). He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Sadie, Brooks, Carmen, Marlow, Jayden, Jack, Reagan, Landon, Aria, Tristan, Lexi, Eliana, and a precious baby Blackford expected in December.

Don is survived by his wife, Sandy; his four children and their families; his brother, Thomas Calvin (Carol); sisters-in-law Dixie Calvin and Cheryl Hermann; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lila Calvin; his sister, Pauline Wilson; his brothers, George and Charles Calvin; and his son-in-law, Michael Ambrose.

Don dedicated his life to his family and his community. He was proud of his years in Leadville and the contributions he made there. Those who knew him will remember a man of integrity and kindness whose generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support for family and friends created relationships and memories that endured across the years and miles.

Don loved his OU Sooners and loved his Oklahoma land, especially when sharing it with the people he loved. That land became a gathering place for family, stories, laughter, and memories. In keeping with his wishes, Don will be laid to rest on his property, beneath a tree on the land that meant so much to him.

A private celebration of Don’s life will be scheduled for family at a later date.

His family is grateful for the years they were given with him. Whether those years numbered a lifetime or only a few, they never seemed like enough.