Kenneth Russell Calkins

      Kenneth R. Calkins, age 99, of Prudenville, passed away July 11, 2016. He was born on December 5, 1916; son of Judson and Grace (nee Stevens) Calkins. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII; he was stationed in China, India, and North Africa. Ken served with the Flying Tigers in China under the command of General Chennault. He was assigned a P-47 nicknamed “Loaded Dice”.       Ken has lived in Prudenville for the past 30 years; he grew up and raised his family in Northville at 619 North Center Street. He was a tool maker with Novi Equipment for 28 years and then for Diamond Automation for an additional 10 years; retiring in 1987. Ken was a life member of the VFW Post 4012. He enjoyed fishing and boating; having his home on Houghton Lake made it easy to enjoy his favorite hobbies. When Ken was younger he loved to dance.       He is survived by his sons, Terry (Vicki) and Rand (Charlotte); his grandchildren, Randy, Kelly, Shawn, Rick, Mike, and Steve; and many loving great and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine, his daughter Patricia Martin, and his brother George.       Visitation will be held Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 5-8pm. The funeral service will be held Friday, July 15, 2016 at 11am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Vernon with the First United Methodist Church of Northville will officiate the service. Ken will be laid to rest at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens where the Unites States Air Force will render military funeral honors.        Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.