Calvin Eugene Gray, 89, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.
Calvin was born on March 1, 1937, in Putnam County, Missouri, at the home of his parents Carl and Cleo (McDannald) Gray. On November 3, 1956, he was united in marriage to Carol Shahan in Putnam County, Missouri. She survives. Calvin was employed for 39 ½ years at Sheller-Globe in Keokuk, Iowa, and retired to Putnam County in 1996, to farm their century-old family farm. He also worked for Jay Mullins making roofing rafters.
Calvin loved working in his garage on old cars and tractors. He was a talented woodworker, making several unique items throughout the years. He had an ornery streak and was a man who never knew a stranger.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 69 ½ years Carol Gray; children: Cathy (Greg) Hoskins, Clinton Gray and Cheryl (Terry) Morgan, all of Keokuk; two brothers: Chester Gray of Keokuk and Roger (Neva) Gray of Unionville, Missouri; his sister Clara Mae McDonald of Green City, Missouri; two sisters-in-law: Carolyn (Fred) Haas of Unionville, Missouri, and Jan (Bob) Dibble of Healy, Alaska; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calvin is preceded in death by a daughter Caren Critser, his parents, his brother-in-law Larry McDonald and his sister-in-law Mickey Gray.
A memorial service was held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at First Baptist Church in Unionville, Missouri, with burial following at Neeb Cemetery in Putnam County, Missouri, near their farm.
Memorials may be directed to the Unionville Senior Center or Neeb Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Printy Funeral Home and Crematory in Keokuk, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.
