Calvin Witham

Calvin Witham obituary, Kendallville, IN

Calvin Witham

Calvin Witham Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hite Funeral Home on Dec. 31, 2025.
Calvin Edward Witham, age 76, of Kendallville, passed away December 30, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Calvin was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on October 15, 1949, to the late Benny Witham and Esther Marie (Wooten) Fry. He honorably served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy. He married Barbara Ann Blaising in July of 2000 in Kendallville. Barbara preceded him in death on January 16, 2021. Calvin loved fishing and being on the lake. He liked spending time with his friends at the American Legion Post in Rome City and watching old Western movies.

Survivors include:
Stepdaughter, Michelle and Kevin Franks of Kendallville.
Stepdaughter, Peggy Jones of Kendallville and her boyfriend, Josh Taylor of Decatur.
Stepson, Troy Russell of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his partner, Dennis Silknitter.
Step grandchildren: Madison and Chase Klinker of Kendallville, Mason and Kaitlyn Franks of Angola, and Alexis Jones of Kendallville.
Brother, Ronnie and Judy Witham of LaGrange.
Sister, Cynthia Jean Brewer of Tennessee.
Sister, Laura and James Owen of Albion.
Sister, Nancy Berry of Monticello, Indiana.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; sister, JoAnn; and two brothers, Benny Donald and James Leroy.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Mosley officiating.
Burial with military honors will take place at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casket bearers will be Nate Luttman, Josh Taylor, Bill Tyler, Clint Blaising, Troy Russell, and Mason Franks.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rome City American Legion Post 381.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Calvin Witham, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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1 Entry

Jerry Malcolm

January 7, 2026

Floyd "RED CROW" Westerman of the Dakota Sioux said "There is an ancient Indian saying that something lives only as long as the last person who remembers it." Calvin Witham earned his right to be remembered long ago. He was my 1st Leading Petty Officer (LPO) onboard my first ship the USS America CV-66. He ran the damage control petty officer work-shop that we built together back in 1988-89. A seasoned Sailor and one whose only vessels were Aircraft carriers made him perfect for the job. With his leadership & knowledge he helped me become the lowest ranking qualifying fire Marshall onboard, I had to make rank to make it official. On December 28th, 1990 we set sail for Operation Desert Shield, which later became Desert Storm, added another war notch onto his belt of knowledge. Again, placing him alongside few others (Vietnam Veterans) who were experienced in this type of operation. Off-ship, he was (most were) a different person. He loved yard sales, fishing, crabbing, cooking, and going to the movies (anything with the Duke would do). His famous pancit dish (Filipino noodle dish) was always a hit. My only regret is that we did not reconnect and spend more time together after service. Till we meet again my friend as they say in Hawaii. "Makani `olu´olu e kai malie." Fair Winds and Following Seas shipmate.

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Hite Funeral Home

403 S Main St, Kendallville, IN 46755

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