Herbert C. Calhoun
Herbert C. Calhoun, 79, passed away on November 18, 2021, in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born March 27, 1942, in Everett, WA to Leonard and Elizabeth (Churchill) Calhoun. He grew up in Meacham and Adams, OR where he attended school and specialized in playground, sports and later, girls.
Herb enjoyed school and reveled in the funny memories he and his friends shared. Track and long distance running, at which he excelled, were his favorites. He worked hard from an early age helping in the huge wheat and pea fields, cooking burgers and making shakes at the drive up, earning money enough for his cars.
After high school in 1960, Herb signed up with the US Air Force and was sent to the deep south, then to Malmstrom AFB near Great Falls, MT. He and his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Lieuallen, were married in 1961.
After his discharge in 1964, Herb used his new skills and worked as an FAA air traffic controller until 1978. The family was stationed at many airports during his career. Upon retiring Herb moved his household, now with 3 growing children, back to the hometown area.
They settled in Walla Walla, WA where he began his successful real estate career which brought him joy and fulfillment throughout his life. He started at the JF McDonald Agency and soon he opened his own Sunrise Properties agency which operated until 1984. While active in Walla Walla, Herb was honored as Walla Walla Real Estate Rookie of 1979. He was very involved in the Elks Lodge, serving as their Exalted Ruler.
After his divorce in 1985 he moved around a bit until settling in Vancouver, WA in 1987. In 1992 he met his wife Margaret Calhoun, another realtor. They married in 2002. Upon retirement they searched for warmer, sunnier weather. They settled in Mesquite, NV where Herb enjoyed golfing, playing geezers softball and participating in Mesquite Senior Games and Mesquite Long Drive events.
He continued working as a real estate broker in spite of being “retired.” Civic interests, helping to organize and increase senior softball, Little League work, and volunteering to help projects he and Maggie shared filled any spare time.
Herb enjoyed spending summers in the Pacific Northwest with his children and their families. His visits always included the 2nd week in July so he could attend the Caladonia Games in Athens where all his school chums reunited. He treasured these visits. He was a loyal friend and genuinely cared about his lifelong friends.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Calhoun of Mesquite, NV: children: Cherilyn (John) Sasser, H. Mark (Tammy) Calhoun, Susan (Jason) Brown and their mother Marilyn Calhoun; grandchildren Justin (Susanna) and Breanne Sasser, James and Emma Calhoun, Sadie and Kyler Brown; great grandchildren: Skyah, Macey, Sophia, Alyssa, Zoey, and Jaxon, all of Walla Walla, WA; siblings: Darrell (Carla) Calhoun of Elgin, OR, Carole Picard of Athena, OR, and Robert (Susie) Calhoun of Mission, OR; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Herb married into 5 stepchildren who also mourn him.
A Celebration of Life will be Monday, December 13, 2021, 1:00 pm at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S Main Street, Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Celebration of Life Services in Vancouver, WA and Mesquite, NV will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Mesquite Geezers http://www.mesquitegeezersoftball.org and/or Mesquite Senior Games https://www.mesquiteseniorgames.org/ are appreciated.
