Wayland Proctor Calkins

Wayland Proctor Calkins was born on September 4th,1934 in Montebello, California to Martha Maurine Shaw and her first husband Wayland Calkins. Martha married Frank John Sedej on April 27, 1941. Frank became a loving father to Wayland and his brother Jim and later, through that marriage, Wayland gained his sister Lynne. Wayland also had an older sister Marilyn, who passed as an infant. Wayland was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eight. In his teenage years he attended Downey high school where he enjoyed running on the track team. During high school, he also learned to work hard by working with his parents in their family business, Frank's Café. After high school he spent time studying at BYU-Provo, USC and UCLA. Wayland met Barbara Ruth Skelton during his high school years in 1951. They were married for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 29th, 1954. Their marriage was blessed by their children Lori, Ron, Craig and Connie. Wayland and Barbara raised their family in Walnut Park and South Laguna, California. Wayland had a long and rewarding career working in real estate and as a general contractor. He built their family home that they lived in for 45 years, working on much of it himself on evenings and Saturdays. At the end of his career, he was able to use the talents he had gained to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Laie, Hawaii with his wife Barbara. On their mission Wayland oversaw many construction projects at the Polynesian Cultural Center among other responsibilities. When they returned from their mission he loved being able to help with the construction of the Newport Beach Temple. Wayland served the Lord in many ways through his service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. Some of his opportunities to serve have been through teaching, being a counselor and Bishop to his ward, serving many years on the stake high council, and serving as a worker in the Los Angeles, San Diego and Newport Beach temples. He quietly served many people throughout his life and was always selflessly available to help his family. Wayland loved to learn and study. Often, he was in his library or recliner reading in the evening after a hard day of work. He also enjoyed swimming and fishing in the ocean. He loved the trips he took to Hawaii, the Holy Land and church historical sites. Wayland would say what was most rewarding to him though was his family. His love for his family showed in many ways through his kindness and service to them and the joy he had around them. Shortly before his passing Barbara and Wayland celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Wayland is loved and remembered by his wife, 4 children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren, his younger sister and numerous extended family members. A service for Wayland P. Calkins will be held on August 30th, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse, located at 2647 South Signal Butte Road Mesa, Arizona 85209. Viewing 9:00 a.m. Service 10:00 a.m. Graveside 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers contribution's may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America.