Everett Calkin

E verett C alkin was born in Maywood, NE, on September 8, 1926.  He passed away at age 98 on April 1, 2025, while residing at Linden Court in North Platte.

Everett, son of Walter and Elvira Calkin, grew up in Maywood then moved to Curtis when he was 17 and graduated from Nebraska School of Agriculture High School in 1945.  He started working on the railroad then served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947.

Everett hired on with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1945 as a Brakeman then was promoted to Conductor in 1949.  He would run the "highline" hauling coal to the Gerald Gentleman Station at Sutherland.  He worked for the railroad for 42 years until retiring.

On July 11, 1947, Everett married Ila Mae Hevlin at Holdrege.  They lived in Curtis then moved to North Platte in 1989.  Along with his railroad job, he also had a scrap metal business.

Everett was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, Eagles Club, Winter Dance Club, and was a life member of the U.T.U. and Curtis American Legion.  He could be seen at every farm auction buying old equipment to salvage the iron.

Everett and Ila were married for over 70 years and spent all those years dancing together.  They looked forward to Wednesday evenings at the Senior Center, winter dances at the Elks Lodge, and of course, any other dance they could find.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ila; his father, Walter; his mother and stepfather, Elvira and Charles Freeman; and sisters, Elsie Mae Flock and Leola Dunn.

Everett is survived by his daughter, Susan King (David), of Kearney; grandchildren, Charly King, Megan Curran (Matt), and Bret King (Aline); great-grandchildren, Emett Curran and Alecia King; and other family.

Graveside service is 2 p.m., Friday, April 4, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.  The casket will be closed. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Memorials are to the family for later designation.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.