Calvin Howeth

Calvin Richard Howeth, 85, of Oklahoma City, born December 13, 1925 and died February 9, 2011. Calvin was the oldest of 11 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Eva Howeth; 2 infant siblings and his brothers, Gaither and Connal Ray Howeth; along with his younger sister, Joycelene Howeth Turner. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Patsy S. Howeth. Calvin was born at home in Lindsay, Oklahoma. He attended grammar through high school in Dibble, Oklahoma, making many school friends with whom he stayed in touch his entire life. Calvin's first employment was with his uncle, Bill McCalister, and then he went to work in the oil field in 1945. He was a roughneck and driller for 12 years. In 1957 he went to work for Martin Decker Corporation as a hydraulic service technician for two years, then as a Division Manager for 7 years. In 1967, Calvin formed his own company, Calco Instruments, Inc., repairing and marketing drilling control instruments. He creatively developed patented processes that improved the performance of certain drilling instruments, and then sold this business in 1975. Never one to stand still, he immediately turned his attention and energy to ranching and breeding full-blood Limousin cattle until 1989. He thoroughly enjoyed these years of his life, working the land, running and repairing heavy machinery, and breeding and marketing prize-winning cattle. His last big project before retiring was to develop a quarter section of land near Lake Thunderbird into a rural housing addition. Cal always had tremendous drive and determination and loved the creative process. He is survived by a large and loving family. His surviving sisters are Estelle Wright and Barbara Jean Elam. His surviving brothers are Marvin Howeth, Lloyd Howeth, Joey Howeth and Harvey Junior Howeth. He was married to Oneta Dutton, and together they had four children, Marie Howeth Cooper, Richard Howeth, Linda Howeth Gothard, and Cheryl Howeth Rankin. Grandchildren are Kevin Mitchell, Tammy Simmons, Erica Mendenhall, Kyle Howeth, and Andrew Baxter. He was then married to Fran Deatherage. Fran had two children, Johnny Deatherage and Carol Deatherage Rice. Step=grandchildren through Fran are Ryan Deatherage, Chad Deatherage, Steven Scott, and Selynda Rice Vass. Finally he was married to Patsy Lee. She had two children, Mike Lee and Stephen Lee (deceased). Step-grandchildren through Patsy are Rachael Lee and Michael Lee. Cal had many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and numerous nephews and nieces who delighted in Uncle Cal. Cal's ultimate joy was his belief in his savior, Jesus Christ, and service to Him in God's kingdom. Cal had a big smile, firm handshake and a warm and generous heart. He could be counted on to be present with his church family every Sunday, greeting members and visitors alike at the front door. He will be sorely missed. Expressions of sympathy are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Cal's memory may be made to "In Search Of The Lord's Way," P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083-9901. Viewing will be 12-8PM today, and 4-8PM Monday, at Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary/South. Services are 10:00 AM, Tuesday, at Southwest Church of Christ, 3031 SW 104th St., OKC. Friends may leave condolences at www.vondelsmithmortuary.com