LaVern Rex Calvert passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born July 21, 1923 in Tulsa to Earl Ray and Catherine Eliza (Jones) Calvert.

Rex attended Medio Grade School, later renamed Riley Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and Tulsa Central High School, graduating in 1942. He attended Tulsa University, in their science program.

He married Kathryn Louise Bradbury on June 8, 1946. They celebrated their 74th anniversary this June. Rex worked at Mid Continent Petroleum Corp, later to become Sun Oil Company, as a Senior R&D laboratory technician retiring in October 1984 after 42 years. He was a member of Osage Hills Christian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a youth he attended Glenwood Baptist and Westside Christian Churches, where he played on their softball teams.

Rex became a member of the Fourth Marine Division with base operations located at Camp Maui, Hawaii Territory. As a member of this division he made four beachheads. They included: Roi & Namur February 1, 1944, Saipan June 15, 1944, Tinian July 24, 1944, and Iwo Jima February 19, 1945. Rex received a purple heart for a wound he received on Saipan. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant for his service on Iwo Jima. Rex was a proud member of the Fourth Marine Division Veterans and hosted their annual reunion twice. He took great pride in being a member of Tulsa's World War II veterans. As a member he loved the opportunity of sharing his military stories with students in the local schools.

He was a member of the Tulsa Central Class of 1942, attending their monthly luncheons for many years.

You may listen to Rex in his own words at "Voices of Oklahoma.com".

As a young man Rex repaired televisions after successfully completing correspondence courses. He found time to coach his son's little league baseball team as well as helping his daughters in their hobbies. He was a self-taught woodworker and cabinet maker. He enjoyed painting and drawing. To complement his art skills, he completed the Famous Artist Course. As an older adult he enjoyed carving ducks and birds. His carvings looked like real feathers. After retirement he joined with a taxidermist to complement the animals with cabinet quality bases that he designed and built. His last and probably most rewarding project was the design and building of a curved staircase complete with handrail for his daughter Cheryl and her husband Ed's home. If this did not keep him busy enough, he loved RVing from coast to coast with the love of his life, Kathryn.

Survived by wife, Kathryn Louis (Bradbury) Calvert of the home, daughters Janet (Calvert) Palmer & husband Terry D. Palmer of Sand Springs, OK, and Cheryl (Calvert) DeChaine & husband Edward DeChaine of Sand Springs, OK; son, Terry Rex Calvert & wife Vikki (Bailey) Calvert of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Michael Palmer, of Tulsa, OK, Matthew DeChaine and wife Sara of Skiatook, OK, Christopher DeChaine of Sand Springs, OK, Elizabeth (DeChaine) Vaughan and husband Scooter, of Tulsa and Lee Rex Calvert and fiance Britney Kame of Sand Springs, OK; great-grandchildren Joshua Palmer, Traci Palmer, Kelsey DeChaine, Kinsey DeChaine, and Lucas DeChaine; brother, Ralph Calvert of Tulsa; sister, Wylene (Calvert) Baker and husband Kenneth of Tulsa, OK.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Gregory Scott Palmer in 1984. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Eugene Calvert, Tulsa, OK, Errol Calvert, Ramona, OK and Neal Calvert, TX.

Viewing will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel; graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Moore's Southlawn Chapel - 918-663-2233