Robert Dwight Calvert

Robert Dwight Calvert, 78, Rushville, IL formerly of Palestine passed away Saturday February 20th at his home, his wife and children by his side. Born August 4th, 1931 in Crawford County he was the son of Lewis R. and Bessie Robinson Calvert. On September 20, 1951 he married Shirley Rose Neely who is the mother of his children, a marriage of thirty years. He later married Patricia Downing. Dwight was an Illinois State Trooper in District 12 retiring after 21 years of dedicated service. He became a member of the Operator Engineers 841 owning a business operating heavy equipment. Years ago Dwight built a beautiful pond and picnic area at his home south of Palestine where he enjoyed many gatherings with family and friends.There he also had his few acres to farm and raise cattle. A favorite pastime was working with his heavy equipment installing field tile in the surrounding area. Dwight was an ambitious man who spent much of his time always working. He owned a small business in Palestine for a few years and enjoyed many people he met there. After leaving Palestine he, wife Patricia, and their cat Grubby loved going to Texas each winter where they had a second home.Dwight is survived by wife, Patricia along with three stepsons and their families. Two daughters, Karen Jo Hunt and husband Tony Ray Hunt, Toni Gayle Calvert and companion Raymond Scruggs, a son Danny Dwight Calvert and companion Lee Lawhead. Three grandchildren, John Andrew Crampton and wife Jennifer, Samuel G. Calvert, and Alec B. Calvert. Five great-grandchildren Jarrett Crampton, Chase Crampton, Bryce Crampton, Jackson Harmon, and Baby Crampton who will be born in July. A cousin Donald Wayne Calvert, an uncle Willis Calvert, a brother-in-law Eugene Baker, seven nieces, two nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Bessie Calvert, brother William Calvert, sister-in-law Mary Calvert, sister Maydean Baker, his cousin's wife Veronica Calvert, and his beloved cat Grubby. Cremation rites will be accorded with graveside services held at a later date. Interment will be at the Mound Cemetery in Jasper County with Goodwine Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Friends of St John's Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769