Thomas Alfred Calkins, Jr.

Thomas Alfred Calkins, Jr., 87 of Troy, died peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2013 at The Troy Community Hospital with his loving wife of 68 years by his side. Tom was currently residing at The Bradford County Manor. Tom was born and raised in Troy on his respective family farm on January 14, 1926, the son of the Late Thomas Calkins, Sr. and Nina Jennings Calkins. Tom graduated from Troy High School with the class of 1943 and married Marilyn Morse Calkins, his high school sweet heart. Both are life-time members of The East Troy Baptist Church. Tom has always been vitally interested in sports. In his high school days he was an all- around athlete, being a key member of championship teams in basketball and baseball. After graduation he continued to participate in sports on independent teams. Later, through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he became involved in all aspects of sports. Tom was instrumental in developing several aspects of Alparon Park. He spearheaded and worked for the movement for better lights and bleacher’s, played a key role in building of the Troy Community Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, and Basketball Courts. He was also was a founder and member of the Troy Booster Club for 60 years. Along with the late Gerald Vickery, Sr. they sponsored the Cal-Vic Basketball and Softball Teams that brought tremendous recognition to the community of Troy. As a community minded Citizen he belonged to various organizations; Troy Lions Club, Troy Masons, Troy Chamber of Commerce, Troy Grange, Troy Ambulance Association and the Wheel Inn. Tom, with his loving wife Marilyn, were inducted into the Troy Area School District Foundation and honored with a portrait that hangs in the Troy Commons Building for their many accomplishments. Also honored for his outstanding Community Service, Tom was crowned “King Rex” at the Mardi Gras ball in Towanda. Tom owned and operated a car dealership; formally known as “Calkins Motor Sales” for over 63 years was the recipient of several dealer awards for outstanding sales and service. Tom also saw the need for housing and constructed a small mobile home park around their home still known as “Calkins Mobile Park”. Later Tom purchased a larger plot of land west of Troy and constructed a 100 plus unit mobile home park, which was formally known as” Town and Country Estates”. Tom enjoyed traveling with his wife and socializing with friends “especially tail gating at Penn State Game’s”. Summers were spent at their cottages at “Big Pond” with their friends and family. When you think of Tom or “Grandpa” or “Grandpa Big Tom”, friends and family near and far, will always remember his special “smile and friendly conversations”. Tom is survived by his children, Thomas A. Calkins 111 (Janet) of Troy, Richard Calkins (Susan) of Venice Florida, Cheryl C. Hutter of Troy; 12 grandchildren, Tom A. Calkins 1V (Bonnie) of Troy, Angie Calkins of Elmira, Natalie Hansen of Florida, Yvonne Lynn of Florida, Danielle Polk (Terry) of Florida, Holly Newell(Nathan) of Florida, Tricia Matheson(Andy) of Florida, Rick of Florida, James Hutter(Sarah) of NY Sate, Heidi Ferguson(Dave) NY State, Marilynne Burchard(Brian) of Troy, Raelynne Palmer(Nate) of Troy; 26 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Layton Calkins, brother-in-law, John Morse, sister-in-laws, Luella and Barbara Morse, niece, Maryann Murphy, son-in-law, Joseph Hutter, Jr. Family and friends are invited to attend a time of sharing from 12 to 1:45 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Troy, Canton Street, Troy. The brothers of Troy Lodge #306 of F&AM will have the Masonic service at 1:45 p.m. The prayer service for Tom will be held immediately following the Masonic service at 2 p.m. at the church with Rev. Garry Zuber officiating. Interment will be in the Glen Wood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the East Troy Baptist Church or the Troy Community Hospital at PO Box 272, Troy, PA 16947. The Gerald W. Vickery Jr. Funeral Home Inc. of Troy has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Also Mrs. Hutter’s Hilltop Florist Inc. of Troy (297-4494) has been entrusted with the funeral flowers.