Derward Lyle (D. L. and Tobe) Calvert was born on January 16, 1927, to Frank Rector and Ivy Lucy (Little) Calvert.
He was born and raised on the farm, 5 miles east of Cheyenne, OK. He died in his home at the young age of 96 years. He attended 1st through 8th grade at Square Top School, and 9th – 12th grade at Cheyenne School where he graduated in 1944. Immediately following graduation, Derward volunteered for the United States Air Core with the hopes of learning to fly. He was stationed in Wisconsin where he attended radio school. He then was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany for 1 ½ years. Upon returning home in 1945, he worked for Savage Oil Company.
In 1949, he married Oweita (Proctor) Calvert. For 2 years, they lived in Oklahoma City while he went to college at OCU. He obtained a diesel mechanics degree while working at Sears and Two Lakes/Wiley Post Airport. Afterwards, they made their home in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. For 23 years, Derward and Oweita owned/operated/managed a wheat harvest company and crew. They harvested from Southern Oklahoma to the Canadian border. During those years, their crew ranged from 2 to 6 employees with 4 combines. Many of the young men that worked for Derward and Oweita during those harvest years have returned later to say that Derward was a mentor to them in many aspects of life. Towards the end of his harvesting career, Derward bought dozers and built many of the dams in Roger Mills County. Following his dozer career, he spent many years farming and running cattle.
Derward had several interests including his love of flying. Because the end of the war was near and there was no longer a need for airmen in the war, Derward was unable to learn to fly while he was in the service. After returning home, his desire to fly was still strong. He was taught to fly by Lee Roark and Eb Bradshaw. He owned several planes over the years; and he and Oweita enjoyed flying many different places. He also shared his love of flying with his son, Russell. Another interest was RVing. He and Oweita traveled many places with friends and family over the years. One of the memorable trips was the yearly trip to Red River, New Mexico where Derward would ride dirt bikes with the of all the young men in the family. Later in Derward’s life, he collected and restored John Deere tractors.
Derward loved working in his shop. He could fix almost anything. He had a wealth of knowledge about anything mechanical. Derward was one of the oldest remaining members of the First Methodist Church of Cheyenne, OK. Derward was also the last remaining World War II Veteran in Roger Mills County. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ivy Calvert; and one brother, Randall Calvert and wife, Juhree. Derward is survived by his wife of the home, Oweita Calvert of Cheyenne, OK; two children, Russell Calvert and wife Darla; Debra Lippencott and husband Steve, all of Cheyenne, OK. Six grandchildren, James Calvert, Rebecca Leonard and husband Steve, Coby Lippencott, April Butler and husband Greg, John Lippencott, Clint Lippencott and wife Marlena. Ten great grandchildren – Braygan Lippencott and wife Kimberly, Lockland Lippencott, Ashton Cockrell, Emersyn Lippencott, Saylor Leonard, Grace and Samantha Butler, London Lippencott, Everett and Lenora Lippencott; one sister, Doris Minor and husband, Ivan and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Cheyenne First Methodist Church officiated by Alex Costea and assisted by Amanda Lockwood. Burial will follow at the Cheyenne Cemetery under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service-West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals. com
The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Historic Roger Mills Preservation & Development Foundation, PO Box 23, Cheyenne, OK 73628.