Age 86, died Friday, November 23, 2018 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson. He was born September 7, 1932 in Northville, Michigan, the son of George H. & Nellie Irene (Sullivan) Calkins. Bob graduated from Gaylord High School in 1951. After high school, he attended Lawrence Technological Institute. He served in the US Army from 1953-1954. Robert worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years, and was a member of the UAW. After retirement, Ruth and Robert moved to Chelsea in 1981. He attended St. Mary Catholic Church. Bob did a lot of woodworking and loved hunting, especially deer and pheasant hunting. He was also an avid bowler.
On May 15, 1971, Robert married Ruth Marie Rossbach in Saline, and she survives. He is also survived by one sister, Judy Calkins of Plymouth, and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Calkins, and a sister, Norma Davis.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2018, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. Visitation will be at at Cole Funeral Chapel on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:15 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.