Lyle E. Calvert

PONCA, Neb. -- Lyle E. "Buck" Calvert, 84, of Ponca died Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponca, with the Rev. David Liewer officiating. Burial will be in South Creek Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Chappelle Post 117. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. today at Meyer Brothers Chapel in Sioux City. Visitation will resume at 4:30 p.m. today, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Buck was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Newcastle, Neb., the son of Harry and Edith (Reichardt) Calvert. He grew up in Newcastle and graduated from Newcastle High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific.

He married Charlotte R. Mahon on May 19, 1947, in Sioux City. She died Jan. 5, 2006 in Ponca. He managed Great Plains Supply Company for 37 years.

He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the volunteer Fire and Rescue Department of Ponca for more than 50 years and a member of the American Legion. He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their sporting events. He spent many hours coaching Little League and Legion baseball for Ponca and surrounding towns. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at family get togethers, telling stories, playing cards and setting whoever bid.

Survivors include nine children and their spouses, Ruth Ann and Ron Buelt of Warsaw, Ill., Mary Jean and Steve Conley of Dakota Dunes, S.D., Robert I. and Bev Calvert of Dakota City, Thomas C. and Chris Calvert of Newcastle, Neb., Maureen and Bob Rockwell of Waverly, Neb., Julee and Dave Wendte of Ponca, James H. and Patty Calvert of Dakota Dunes, Paul J. and Ann Marie Calvert of Columbus, Neb., and Patrick J. and Sheri Calvert of Gretna, Neb.; a brother, Glen "Pete" Calvert of Sioux City; three sisters, Rose Marie Flom of Newcastle, Neb., Eldene Kneifl of LaMirada, Calif., and Janet Boutwell of Lakewood, Wash.; 31 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlotte; and a sister, Janice.

Pallbearers will be Lyle Calvert, Nick Rockwell, Doug Buelt, Bobby Calvert, Kyle Calvert, Joe Wendte and Jeff Conley.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.