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Gary Kent Calkins
1944 - 2025
BORN
1944
DIED
2025
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Gary Calkins Obituary
Born: August 13, 1944 in Sterling, IL
Died: August 18, 2025 in Sterling, IL
Gary Kent Calkins, age 81, of Rock Falls, died Monday, August 18, 2025 at Allure of Sterling.
Gary was born August 13, 1944 in Sterling, IL, the son of William LeRoy and Lela Mae (Sanders) Calkins. He dedicated his entire working career as a proud union carpenter. Gary had a love for the Rock River, fishing, hunting, dogs, and gardening.
He is survived by his children, William "Roy" (Jill) Calkins of Rock Falls, Connie (Robert) Yonlisky of Bonita Springs, FL, Linda Calkins of Punta Gorda, FL, and Ylaria "Booties" (Ryan O'Connor) Calkins of Estero, FL; one sister, Karen (Steve) Downey of Polo; one brother, David (Amy) Calkins of Vinalhaven Island, ME; one brother-in-law, Jerry Coughlin of Mesa, AZ; six grandchildren, Cody (Rachel) Calkins, Tyler (Brittany) Blevins, Ramina (Tarik) Marques, Leyla Yonlisky, Nikoma "Niko" Gugerty, and Ikia Gugerty; and five great grandchildren, Calvin Calkins, Theodore Calkins, Jaedyn Blevins, Rowyn Blevins, and Ava Marques.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ylaria Calkins; parents; and five siblings, Lela Mercedes in infancy, Guy (June) Calkins, Jeane (Harms) (Miller) Green, Janice (J. Ron) Harvey, and Diane Coughlin.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling with Pastor Dalmus Meeks officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Sterling505 1st Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081
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