Stephen Douglas Calhoun

1951 - 2021

Stephen Douglas Calhoun
July 21, 1951 - April 30, 2021

Stephen Douglas Calhoun was born at Kelly Hospital in Argos, on July 21, 1951. He grew up part of a neighborhood bunch of playmates who would come to be known as the Walnut Street gang. Days were full of family life, including scouting, church activities at the Santa Anna United Methodist Church and cowboys and Indians in the neighborhood in Argos. On his 16th birthday, he completed his first solo flight at the Plymouth airport.
He graduated from Argos High School in the class of 1969. During his high school years, he met his future bride, Deborah Swihart, a Bourbon girl. Their first date in 1968 was to the Rees Theater in Plymouth, to view "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Becoming engaged in 1970, Steve continued to work at Gates-Calhoun Chevrolet, and acquired rental property, while Debbie attended Ball State University. Married on Aug. 25, 1973, they raised two children, Brandon Monroe and Allison Marie in a barn on the Tippecanoe River at Leiters Ford. While there, the family was active in the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church, and treasured the soup suppers, neighbors the Chessirs, Mishlers as well as others.
Moving the family to Michigan Street in Plymouth in 1991, Steve enjoyed hosting 20-odd years of parades in the Porch Festivities during the Blueberry Parade for 100 or so closest friends. During their lives on Michigan Street, he enjoyed floating in his pool, providing spooky, multimedia fun for Halloween happenings. His "sticker van" was a common sight cruising town. He delighted in others anonymously donating a new sticker. He loved people and frequented the BP gas station, Key Bank, etc. His immense collection of Halloween décor will live on in future Haunted Museum events at the Marshall County Historical Society, of which he was a member.
Always ready to GO, he enjoyed vacations to the top of Mt. Le Conte in the Smokies and visiting the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Key West. He loved theatre in Chicago, hiking trails, sunsets, boating on Lake Max, and being anywhere with family and friends.
As a member of Hoosier Old Wheels, he drove a 1955 Chevy to the top of Pikes Peak and hung out at car shows and swap meets. He owned and enjoyed driving 1964 Corvair convertibles in parades, as well as countless other vehicles.
Most recently, he and Debbie were part of the church family at the Bourbon First United Methodist Church, where he had crazy sock wars with fellow choir member Terry Clemens. He helped Debbie with Bible School and after school programs for children at the church.
As his Alzheimer's was progressing, he moved to Shalley Drive in Plymouth, and had great neighbors there, also. Upon his wife's retirement, he participated in several drug studies, looking for medicines for research with the Indiana University Hospital in Indiana. One of the studies helped precipitate new medications for treatment.
Fond of movies from childhood, one of his two favorites was "Niagra" with Joseph Colter and Marylin Monroe. On a trip to the Falls, the Calhouns experienced scenes from the film, riding a boat that was named "The Maid of the Mist." An adult favorite, "The Big Lebowski" resulted in two trips to festivals by that name in Louisville, Kentucky, where a good time was had by all in attendance. For his 50th birthday, he invited 40 of his closest friends and family to a private showing of "Niagra" at the new Plymouth theater. They enjoyed the movie with popcorn and treats, followed by a cook-out at the Plymouth Country Club, and ending the day at home with friends around the pool. No gifts were accepted, with only a request to purchase and wear our Hawaiian shirts. Never one to smoke or drink, he did enjoy a cigar with friends once or twice a year.
He was my light! No matter what, it was impossible to be sad in his presence. I will forever miss his personality as a balance to my own.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Deborah and two children: Brandon (Shanta) Calhoun and Allison and her friend Shanna Rannell, two step-grandchildren, Brock and Alyson Amedi and Sydney Sullivan, and daughter whom they loved as their own. Also surviving are his mother Marilyn J. Calhoun and brothers Gary (Ginger) and Brian (Pam) Calhoun. Preceding him in death were his father, Donald A. Calhoun and grandparents Arthur and Glen Zentz and Donald, Sr. and his wife, Cora Calhoun.
Cremation followed Stephen's passing after organ donation for Alzheimer's study, to aid in research for this horrible disease.
Debbie wishes to thank Hospice of Marshall County, many visiting nurses, volunteers Max and countless others who made dementia care possible, so he could remain at home. He was moved to Elkhart Hospice Center shortly before his passing on Friday, April 30.
Friends may join in a goodbye with the family on Saturday, May 8, at 2 p.m. at the Bourbon First United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., with a celebration and light refreshments in the church social room, where their married life together began. He would be pleased if you choose to attend in crazy socks and/or a Hawaiian shirt.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Hospice, Alzheimer's research, or the Bourbon First United Methodist Church.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted with assisting the family with arrangements.