Maj. Charles Terance "Terry" Calkins

Maj. Charles Terance "Terry" Calkins

Upcoming Events

Mar

4

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Alden Harrington Funeral Home

214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Mar

4

Service

12:00 p.m.

Alden Harrington Funeral Home

214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Only 3 days left for delivery to next service.

Charles Calkins Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Inc. on Feb. 27, 2026.
Major Charles Terrance "Terry" Calkins, 79, of North Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on February 25, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012. The visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., funeral services at 12:00 p.m., with a graveside service following. A light reception will be provided following the services for all friends and family to gather and share stories.

Terry was born on February 19, 1947, in Caney, Kansas, to Don and Tealy Calkins. He graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1965 and then followed in his father's footsteps and went on to pursue his passion for aviation. He attended Miami Flight School and completed additional flight training in Oklahoma, beginning a lifelong career in the skies.

Following flight school, Terry joined the United States Army Reserves. While stationed in Montana, his unit assisted with spotting forest fires. He later transferred to Olathe, Kansas, where he piloted the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. He proudly served his country and achieved the rank of Major.

Terry continued serving in the Army Reserves while simultaneously building his career as a commercial airline pilot. He flew for Frontier Airlines and Continental Airlines, balancing both his military commitment and civilian aviation career with dedication and skill. He retired from commercial aviation on February 19, 2007, his 60th birthday, after many years of faithful service in the air.

In retirement, Terry embraced the simple joys of life with his loving wife Sue. He enjoyed walks around the block with his dog, Spot, savoring a glass of red wine at his son's restaurant, the Canoe Club, attending Quiet Birdmen gatherings, and spending time outdoors as a "mountain lion hunter". Above all, he was a proud grandfather who cherished time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael "Mickey" Calkins; his niece, Kelsey Calkins; his parents, Don and Tealy Calkins; and his beloved dog, Spot. Terry is survived by his wife, Susan Calkins; his sons, Chris Calkins (Megan) and Nick Calkins (Leigh); their mother, Karen Calkins; his grandson, Winston Calkins; his sister, Debbie Thompson (Mike); and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Terry's name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Terry will be remembered for his quick wit, steady demeanor, and deep love for his family.

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

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Not sure what to say?

Earlier today

Nancy Springer posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2026

Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Inc. announced events.

February 27, 2026

Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Inc. posted an obituary.

1 Entry

Nancy Springer

Earlier today

Dear Chris, Nick and Karen, we were so shocked and sad to hear about Terry. We are on our way to Montana, and yesterday and as we passed through KC and your old exit we remembered Terry. Who knew. It is terrible how one can get so wrapped up in our own little world we don´t step out of our routine to spend time with old friends who we love and care about. Terry was a dear and special guy. We went wayyy back. Please know that our thoughts are with you and our hearts are heavy too. Sending love, Nancy and Tim Springer

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Upcoming Events

Mar

4

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Alden Harrington Funeral Home

214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Mar

4

Service

12:00 p.m.

Alden Harrington Funeral Home

214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Only 3 days left for delivery to next service.