Calvin Lloyd Philipp
1940-2023
Calvin Lloyd Philipp was born to Paul and Marie Philipp on December 1, 1940, in Madera, CA. At the age of 2, his family moved to Reedley, CA, where Cal attended grade school, and high school, graduating from Reedley High.
Calvin was married to Verda Jane Goertzen on December 17, 1960, beginning a marriage that lasted for 62 years. He is survived by their 3 children: Kenneth Philipp and his wife Sharon, Richard Philipp, and Timothy Philipp and his wife Dawn. Four grandchildren, Shawna from Portland, OR Julian from Salem, OR, and Kaitlynn and Richard from Edmond, OK. Two step grandchildren, Anna, and Brandon and six great step grandchildren. Calvin also had one sister: Agnes, who is deceased, two brothers: Bob and Walter who live in CA, and many nieces and nephews.
Calvin was raised on a farm in Reedley, CA and remembered going to school barefoot and carrying a metal lunch pail. He told his parents after his first day of school that he wasn’t going back. Cal had a BIG problem talking in class, so the teacher put him in a coat room and made him write “I will not talk in class” all through recess. That didn’t stop him from talking, so back to the coat room he went. His sister Agnes who was 12 years older, went to the teacher and asked her if he could learn something constructive, like the times tables. So, he learned the times tables (and used them many times in his life). Thanks to his sister, who later became a very good schoolteacher, Calvin became a model student and in the 8th grade, graduated at the top of his class as the valedictorian – even giving a speech on graduation night.
Calvin did well in High School enjoying his welding class, which came in handy in farming after he graduated. He was also active in 4H winning many ribbons from showing his steers. He enjoyed planting and watching the crops grow; and was a farmer at heart. He farmed the land most of his working life except for the last 8 years, when he became a truck driver. He retired at age 62, and at age 64 was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which he suffered with for the past 18 years.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Gracelawn Cemetery Edmond, OK.