Calvin W. French's Obituary
Calvin W. French “Frenchy”, 89, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014 in Decatur Memorial Hospital, with his daughter, Pamela S. Fair (French), son, Jeffery M. French, and daughter -in-law Angela French, at his side.
Graveside services with military honors to celebrate Calvin’s life will be held at 10:00 am Friday, July 25, 2014 in Mt. Gilead Cemetery.
Calvin was born October 13, 1924 in Dietrich, Illinois, the son of Everett and Blanche (Leach) French. He proudly served his country as an Army Air Corps veteran. Calvin’s tour of duty included flying over Asiatic Sea where many of his fellow service men lost their lives during World War II. He retired from Grimesteads, where he worked as a union sheet metal worker. Calvin owned and operated French’s Blue Diamond Riding Stables during the 1970’s. Calvin’s passion and love was raising and training race horses. He married Clella Short in 1942. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2001.
Calvin leaves behind his daughters, Pamela (David) S. Fair (French) of Decatur , IL; Wendy (Arthur) Dawson of Madison, WI; sons, Jeffrey (Angela) M. French of Decatur, IL; Rodney L. French of Chatham , IL; daughter-in-law Paulette (Vern) Greene (Scale-French) of Ellswood City, PA; ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Calvin was preceded in death by his wife Clella, parents, and son, Gary L. French.
The family of Calvin W. French is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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