William “Bill” Calvert – June 15, 2025

William “Bill” Calvert, 87, passed away on June 15, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and veteran.

Bill was born to Jesse and Mildred (Ashley) Calvert on June 8, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri. 

In 1955, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served with distinction with the 311th Fighter Bomber Squadron, the 58th Fighter Bomber Group, and the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing as a crew chief and jet airplane mechanic. His dedication and exemplary conduct earned him multiple Good Conduct Medals between 1959 and 1965.

While stationed overseas, Bill met the love of his life, Paule, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. They were married in Luxembourg City in 1965. Together they raised three children: Catherine Nakai (Michael), Todd Calvert (Dailyn Rodriguez) and Carolynn Butts (Dennis). Their marriage was one of deep affection and enduring partnership that would last six decades.

In 1967, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Officer’s Training School. He continued his service as a scientific analyst at NORAD, Buckley ANG, Ent AFB, and Peterson Field (AFB). He received the Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He retired in 1979 with the rank of Captain.

Following his military retirement, Bill transitioned to a civilian role as a contractor for the military beginning in 1979. Over the next three decades until his retirement in 2010, he contributed to critical national defense initiatives—working on U.S. satellites and other advanced military defense systems for agencies including the U.S. Air Force and NASA.

Bill was an avid reader of science fiction and mystery-thriller novels and enjoyed playing chess—a game that reflected his analytical mind. He also enjoyed flying and scuba diving in his younger years. As a patron of the arts, he regularly attended performances by the Colorado Springs Symphony.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Paule; children: Catherine, Todd, and Carolynn; grandchildren: Piper Butts, Tate Butts, and Mandy (Nakai) Lucke; as well as many who cherished him as a friend or colleague.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mildred Calvert; siblings: Les and John Calvert, Nancy (Calvert) Piel; and half-siblings, Harry Lape and Martha (Lape) Smith.

A man of few words but great depth of character, Bill was loved by all who knew him—family members, friends, colleagues alike. His legacy lives on through those whose lives he touched with kindness and quiet wisdom.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org, and Service Dogs for Veterans, https://puppiesbehindbars.com.