Calvin Glen Fish

A FISH STORY
Calvin Glen Fish, 84, of Berryville, Arkansas, passed away on March 14, 2023. He was born to parents Fraizer Fish and Julia (Shade) Fish, on October 1, 1938 in Henryetta, Oklahoma. He was one-half native American Creek tribe. In early adulthood, Calvin lived in Okemah, Oklahoma with many friends and family members including his four children Vickie, Janet, Bruce, and Laura.
In the 1970s, the Ozark hills and lakes drew Calvin to Northwest Arkansas where he met Janice (Writer, Williams). They were married on May 23, 1980 in Berryville, Arkansas. Calvin got two bonus daughters out of the deal, Donesa and Dana, as well as lots of grass to mow and antique cars to spiff up, which he did, winning several awards for his original Chevrolet Nomad.
Calvin worked as a machinist for Glick Manufacturing in Berryville and later Levi Strauss and Company in Harrison, AR. His retirement from Levi's was short-lived as he kept busy "mowing grass" around Berryville.
Calvin was an avid fisherman his entire life. He loved hunting and all things sports. He was a natural athlete playing basketball and baseball as a youth and softball and golf in his later years. He met and made many friends on the lakes and greens of Missouri and Arkansas. He was known on and off the course for his kindness and words of encouragement. He had a mess of friends in the Green Forest Bass Club and more friends at Carroll County Country Club than he could shake a golf club at.
Calvin loved his wife and family. Over the years they made several trips to see his many loved ones in Oklahoma. He and Janice enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter what the activity, Papa Calvin and Grandma Janice would be in the stands or audience, and Papa would be cheering on his grandkids. On many occasions he was on the bank or in the boat baiting their hooks for the next big fish story. Calvin and Janice's many road trips reflected their shared love for each other's hobbies, such as antique cars, auctions, collectables (most of them breakable), and gospel "sangin's." He was the ultimate, caring husband as Janice's health failed the last years of her life, rarely leaving her side. He attended Church on the Hill faithfully, and his empty seat is a reminder that he was just passing through on his way to the eternal home he spoke of frequently in his last days. He often mentioned his longing for reunion with Janice, his mama, and closest sister, Priscilla.
Calvin is survived by: five daughters, Vickie Martin (Charles) and Janet Moore of Okemah, OK, Laura Bright (John) of Sand Springs, OK, Donesa Mann (Rick) of Eureka Springs, AR, and Dana Luv-Hall (Shawn) of Bella Vista, AR; eleven grandchildren, Mandy Pickering (Trevor), Leslie Fish, Barry Bennett, Lacey Martin, Spencer Bright (Nicole), Kelly Fish, Jachin Mann (Kallie), Brandi Bastion, Garrick Mann (Kelly), Mallory Butler (Kent), and Chandler Mann (Shelby); twelve great-grandchildren, Daphaine Martin, Kelcee, Logun and Mason Bennett, Axton and Bradley Pickering, Olivia Hammame, Jaylee Arnold, Eddison, Danielle, Eleanor, and Ezra Mann; one great-great-grandchild, Gabbi Bradshaw; sister, Mary Dearman; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and his cherished schnauzer, Pepper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers, five sisters, and son, Calvin Bruce Fish.
The family has entrusted Nelson Funeral Service with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Church on the Hill- Berryville, AR. No visitation or formal interment are planned. Calvin's pastor, Rev. Keith Butler and grandson, Rev. Kent Butler will officiate the ceremony. If you can't make the service, you are invited to attend the 9:45 AM pre-service slideshow followed by the homecoming service online at https://boxcast.tv/view/calvin-fish-homecoming-service-cdxwj76thafwos0alkjy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2023.