Everett Edward Calhoun

Everett Edward "Ed" Calhoun of Ankeny, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2020, at Sunny View Care Center with family by his side. Family and friends are invited to visitation Saturday, January 25, 1-3 p.m. at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd. A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 3 p.m. Ed was born August 31, 1942, the youngest of six children to Lila and Everett Calhoun. He grew up mostly in the Des Moines area aside from three years in Fort Dodge (1948-1951). Always a hard-worker, Ed's first job was at 10 years old as a bottle boy at Cottage Grove Super Value. At 11, he started carrying newspapers for The Des Moines Register. Then, when he got his permit to work at age 14, he started a job at Safeway, one he held until he graduated from North High School in 1960. Ed lettered in tennis and although he practiced football for several years, he never played a game due to work commitments. After high school graduation, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began "three years of sea sickness" where he became a 2nd Class Petty Officer, Electronic Technician. After his stint on active duty, he completed his six-year commitment on inactive reserve and was honorably discharged. Ed "met" his wife Gladys when they became pen pals while he was in the Navy. Gladys would send her nephew who served on the same ship as Ed care packages, and Ed thought she sounded like someone he should meet. He sent off a letter to her "that she didn't have to respond to if she didn't want." Gladys responded, and what started out exchanging love letters led to marriage in 1963. He attended Iowa State University for one year where he became an accomplished bowler, rather than an accomplished student. After ISU, Ed began his 35 ½-year career at Firestone Tire and Rubber, starting as a supervisor and holding several other positions over his tenure including foreman and department manager. After his retirement from Firestone in 1999, Ed became a part-time school bus driver for Ankeny Community Schools. In 1965, Ed and Gladys purchased their home in Ankeny where they raised three children. There's no doubt Ed was a dedicated father, papa and family man. He changed diapers, did laundry and cooked Christmas goodies (such as peanut brittle and divinity) and breakfast ("fingers" were a specialty). Ed curled his daughters' hair, coached softball, attended and cheered on too many extracurricular events to track and made numerous rescue-and-repair missions on dilapidated cars. Throughout the years he made many special connections and friendships and enjoyed activities such as the CB Club, motorcycle riding, camping, co-ed volleyball, dancing (even disco) and home brewing beer. He was a self-taught DIYer—home improvements/repairs, macramé and woodworking. Ed was also a giver. Whether it was shoveling snow for neighbors during a blizzard, clearing trees for the community after a tornado hit, donating blood or volunteering to be president for the Ankeny Gymnastics Club, Ed served and gave as he was able. Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gladys; daughters, Sue Schlenker (Todd) and Teri Vannoy; son, Eric (Cristy) Calhoun; sisters, Betty Scheef and Cynthia Fehr; grandchildren, Cailey and Cole Schlenker; Wiley and Brody Vannoy; Ryan, Caleb and Megan Calhoun; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lila and Everett Calhoun; sisters, Jeanne Calhoun and Nancy Cooper; and infant brother.