Robert N. Calkins

Robert Neill Calkins died peacefully at his home in Howell, Mich. on November 11, 2023, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with dementia.

Robert was the youngest of two children and was born on August 24, 1948 to Albert and Verna Calkins in Pigeon, Mich. On December 20, 1992, he married Lori (Corbin) Richmond and for 30 years they resided in Tecumseh with their children, Beth, Kieran, and Trevor. In 2022, Robert and Lori moved to Howell, Mich., where they enjoyed living close to their ten grandchildren and attended Howell Bible Church.

Robert was raised in Sebewaing, Mich., where he went on Maytag service calls with his father, helped in the family’s tropical fish business, was a roadie for a garage rock band, and worked at the local sugar factory. In 1966, he graduated from Sebewaing High School and went on to attend Central Michigan University, where he received Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Performance degrees.

Music was Robert’s vocation and first love and he was passionate about sharing it with others. He taught music education in Calumet and Clinton, Mich., before dedicating the remainder of his career to Tecumseh Public Schools, retiring in 2010. He dearly loved his students and fellow educators. He taught private music lessons to many band students, wrote letters of recommendation for music scholarships, attended student performances, and composed music for them to play at solo and ensemble events. Robert also enjoyed helping at summer marching band camps for Tecumseh Public Schools, Madison School District, and Dexter Community Schools, among others.

Robert played the tuba with the Ann Arbor Symphony, the Toledo Concert Band, and many community and civic bands. He was a former director of the Adrian City Band, and most recently performed with the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra. He particularly enjoyed being a member of the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, playing an antique instrument in 19th century costume at Greenfield Village old-fashioned baseball games and Christmas events, as well as festivals and concerts.

Robert was a principled man of integrity, sometimes stubborn, but always kind. He never lost his sense of humor, even responding in a joking non-verbal manner to the very end. He will be remembered by the community for his passion for both music and education, and by his family for his devotion and fun-loving spirit. His legacy of kindness, generosity and dedication will live on in the hearts of his friends and family and he will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori (Corbin) Calkins; his cherished children, Bethany (Joseph) Kohler, Kieran Calkins, and Trevor Calkins; and his grandchildren, Leo, Karas, Meraya, Jude, Ezekiel, Lydia, Norah, Josiah, Luke, and Isla, who will greatly miss their Poppa. He is also survived by his brother, Charles (Clark) Calkins, of Birch Run, nephew Scott, and nieces Julie and Heather. He will be deeply missed by his five cats and three dogs.

Robert was predeceased by his father, Albert Eugene Calkins, and mother, Verna Adelaide (McGowan) Calkins.

Visitation for Robert will be on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m., at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.

Memorial contributions may be made for the purchase of a drum major podium for the Tecumseh Shooting Stars Marching Band, Tecumseh Band Boosters, Tecumseh High School, 760 Brown St., Tecumseh, MI 49286.