Roy Eldin Calvert

Roy Eldin Calvert, age 79, of Columbia MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a short but hard battle. He spent his last moments doing the one thing he did best, doing everything he could to help his loved ones and make sure we would be able to go on without him.
He was born April 12, 1944, in Columbia MO, he was the 5th of 7 children of James Robert and Susie (Morris) Calvert.
On May 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Joyce Young. They were inseparable for over 61 years together until her passing this past November of 2022.
He believed in working from sunup to sundown, he always said if you are having too much fun, you must not be working hard enough.
His formal education ended in the 7th grade when he went to work on the family farm. Over the years he went on to have a very diverse and successful career including working for the University of Missouri, in both the Hospital as well as at Jesse Hall in the evening while his days were spent as a Dump Truck Driver. After that he transitioned to a part of his career that was very meaningful for him, with the Peabody Coal Company in Columbia as well as in Clinton MO.
He finished his professional career as a member of the family team with Central Concrete Co. here in Columbia, where he remained working until May of this year. He probably would still be working today, but unfortunately an injury followed by illness prevented him from continuing that passion.
He truly considered his co-workers and friends as his extended family, and he enjoyed teaching the next generation. He had so many skills and knowledge, most self-taught or learned as he went, so he was a great mentor and friend. And if he really liked you, I am sure you knew what a bit of a jokester he could be!
He had many hobbies he enjoyed in his free time. He raced cars at I-70 Speedway, he enjoyed traveling with his family and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks. He loved trap shooting with his cousin Otto Calvert so much that in the 70's he built his own Trap Shoot Club business! Eventually he got into racing in Mud Marathons and built his own vehicles, BIG MO and CHICK-A-DEE.
For the better part of the last 30 years he worked tirelessly to secure ownership of as much of the original family land as he could. His greatest desire was for it to remain in the family and be passed down to be taken care of by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc.
He is survived by his daughter Joyce Davis, Granddaughter Arin Davis, and Megan (Damian) Adams, Grandchildren Ryan McLean, Indianna McLean, Easton Adams, and Elladee Adams. Siblings Howard "Cokie" (Dorothy) Calvert of Columbia MO and Sister-in-law Pearletta Calvert of Oklahoma, Cousin Emmett (Lola) Calvert of Columbia MO. Over 20 nieces and nephews and ever-growing numbers of great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son Roy James Calvert. Brothers Billie Ray, Bobby, Phil and sisters Betty Smith and Sissy Calvert, nephew Howard (Cocomo) Jr and great niece Whitney Briggs.
Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Parker-Millard Funeral Services. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Parker-Millard Funeral Services. A burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.