Theodore W. “Ted” Calkins, Jr.

WEST BURLINGTON- Longtime resident of East Troy, PA, Theodore W. Ted Calkins, Jr. passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Bradford County Manor. The only child of Theodore Weller, Sr. and S. Blanche (Scott) Calkins, he was born November 10, 1913 in East Troy. After graduating from Troy High School, Ted was a partner with his father in the T. Weller Calkins and Son General Store in East Troy. He married his sweetheart, Pauline M. Wilber in 1937. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage until her death in 2007. Ted was drafted into the U.S. Army after a year working for the Elmira Star Gazette. Leaving his wife and children in the care of his father. He served as a chaplains assistant to Marion F. Woods, who is now a missionary in Costa Rica at age 92. They served in China, Burma, and India. After returning to the States, Ted worked for the Elmira Star Gazette as a District Circulation Manager, where he gave 35 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the East Troy Baptist Church, where he served his Lord as a Deacon, Trustee, Usher, and Campanologist (bell ringer). He meticulously cared for the lawn for years. Ted compiled an extensive collection of Indian Artifacts found locally. Most of which are on display at the Troy Public Library. He took delight in visiting the classrooms of his grandchildren and other students to tell them of our local Indian history. Ted was a 65 year plus member and Past Master of the of Trojan Lodge #306 of Free & Accepted Masons, was a life member of the Consistories of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite- Valleys of Towanda and Williamsport, a life member of American Legion Post 8675, a past member and Trustee of the Bradford County Historical Society and past member of the IOOF Lodge. He was a founder and member of the Garfield Coffee Club held at the Troy bowling alley, and was also in the first group of the Troy Auxiliary Police for many years. Theodore was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his family enjoyed many summers at their cottage, the Air Castle, at Big Pond. Ted also loved to fish and hunt. He made trips to Canada with his dad and East Troy neighbors to fish and camp. He taught his boys and grandsons to love nature and to try for The Big One while hunting. He also enjoyed a trip to Colorado, Elk hunting. Surviving are his daughter Blanche (Ervin) Burlingame, sons Bill (Mary Jo) Calkins and Bob (Katherine) Calkins, grandchildren Greg (Loretta) Bruce, Richard Bruce, Todd (Tammy) Bruce, Paula (Steve) Updike, Karei (Bruce) Moll, Randi (Nick) Randall, Jesse and Maggie Calkins, great grandchildren Nathaniel and Andrew Updike, Krystal and Dakotah Bruce, Greysen Schlupp, Ben, Eli and Max Randall DeShawn Hughson. Teds grandson, Norman Bruce, predeceased him. Family and friends are welcome to call from 1:00-2:45 PM on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Troy, 160 Canton Street, Troy, PA. A Masonic service will be given at 2:45 PM on March 2nd at the church by his brothers of Trojan Lodge # 306 and the funeral service to honor Teds life will begin 3:00 PM with his pastor, Rev. Garry Zuber, officiating. At the conclusion of the funeral service, military rites will be given by the Troy Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be at the convenience of his family in Glenwood Cemetery. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 110 West Main Street, Troy, Pennsylvania has been entrusted with the arrangements. Teds family is very appreciative of the loving care received from the staff of the Bradford County Manor for many years. Memorial contributions may be directed to the East Troy Baptist Church, P.O. Box 21 Troy, PA 16947 or to the Activities Fund of the Bradford County Manor, 518 Main Street, West Burlington Township, PA 16947-8637.