Jack Calk

Jack Leland Calk was born April 29, 1938 in Del Rio, TX to J.P. and Mary Ethel Calk.  Born into a Val Verde county ranching family, Jack was raised on a rough Pecos River ranch under the watchful eye of his revered grandfather Perry Brotherton.  Moved by the difficulties inspired by growing up in the drought of the 1950’s left a marked impression on Jack and he was happy living simply and serving others.

Jack graduated from Del Rio High School in 1956 and was voted “Most All Around” in his class.  He began his college education at Texas Tech, but finished it at Hardin Simmons University where he graduated and met Jovonne, the love of his life.  They married on August 25th, 1959 and spent the next 60 years together.

After college graduation, Jack and Jovonne made a home on the ranch in Comstock, TX near the Pecos River High Bridge.  They started a family and had their first two children, Chris and Stephanie, while living at the ranch.  Jack began his ministry, and in 1970 he moved his family to Eagle Pass, TX, and began a 40- year career serving others in the mission field.   In 1975 Jack became the Missions Coordinator for the border area and Coahuila, Mexico and the family moved to Uvalde.  He was actively involved in his work serving the people of the border as well as supporting his children’s activities and education.

Jack’s belief in education was evident in his extensive library, which contained books from theology, to mechanics, agriculture, history and the arts.  As an avid life- long learner, Jack continued his education and earned his PhD of Theology in 1994 from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dad could do almost anything, and his upbringing taught him many skills that he was able to pass on to his children and others.  Anyone who shook his baseball mitt sized hands never doubted that he worked, but they may not have known that he was an artist, played the piano and guitar, could build anything out of lumber and taught us to break colts and shoe horses.  He was the best camp cook ever.  Also known for his command of the Spanish vernacular, Jack had an aptitude for languages and was able to read, write and speak several.

Jack passed away at home in Utopia, Texas on July 17, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Jovonne, Brother Perry Calk & wife Editha of Comstock, TX, Sons Chris Calk of San Antonio, TX & Carol Calk of Utopia, TX, and Crockett Calk & wife Elizabeth of Denver City, TX, daughter Stephanie Calk of Boca Raton, FL, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Bobby Calk.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Uvalde, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice.