Paul Charles Caltry Jr

On July 18th, 1931, Paul Charles Caltry Jr., was born to Italian immigrants, Paul Charles Calceterra and Irene Pessina. The last name of Calceterra was soon changed to Caltry after arriving in the United States.

He grew up in an Italian neighborhood attending an all-boys Marmion Military Academy through High School. He had several stories about how schools were run back in the day.

Dad proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954, serving in the Korean War. He was a proud Marine and had high respect for all branches of service but when he found another Marine, his eyes lit up and you were okay in his book.

After serving his tour in Korea he came back to marry his sweetheart, Joyce Piron on October 11th, 1952, and shared 71 remarkable years together.

In 1970 a job opportunity with Layne Western Drilling Company provided him an opportunity to move his 5 children, wife, and mother-in-law to Sullivan.

He traveled all across America to almost every state in the union. He always said of all the places he traveled to; Missouri was the prettiest state of all.

Dad had a strong work ethic that rarely allowed him to take a vacation and sick days were unheard of. The same dedication showed in his spiritual life as well never missing a Sunday of Church, even on the rare occasion he did vacation, Mom always made sure there was a Catholic church nearby.

Dad was instrumental in starting the Sullivan chapter of the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight for several years and just about every other position held. You could find him every Monday night calling bingo at the Knights, we kids would always joke not to get in trouble or hurt on Mondays, Dad was busy.

Dad was also in charge of running the Japan Picnic for 20-plus years, back in the day when fried chicken filled the air and the old wooden dance floor rocked way into the night.

He was a jack of all trades and master of none, including owning a gas station with his brother-in-law in Illinois, beekeeping, raising crows, chickens, guineas, firework stands, you name it, he probably tried it.

He treasured Saturday nights playing cards with friends or going to his sister and brother in laws farm in Bland on the weekends where several beers were consumed and even an old saw mill brought back to life.

Although not an avid hunter or fisherman his kids and grandkids will always treasure the memories of sitting together in the field, the goat ham, or just in the truck looking for deer or turkey. Even after his "floppy foot" wouldn't allow him to walk in the woods

any more you better stop by with any game you shot, he always was more excited than the person hunting.

Dad was an amazing father; his strictness was unappreciated as teenagers but we all get it now. He never backed down from a job that needed to be done and if you needed a volunteer, you could depend on him.

His quirky one-liners will always be remembered, there are too many, but here are just a few:

“Never argue with a fool, people watching won't know who's who.”

“Never carry a grudge, it’s very heavy and the only one that suffers is the one doing the carrying.”

“Preparedness is the key to victory!”

“Brakes don't work when you’re air-born son.”

“If it's cold in January it will be hot in July.”

Dad's legacy remains alive with his devoted wife, Joyce; five loving children: Chuck Caltry and partner Crystal Brady, Paula Walker, Tony Caltry and wife Lisa, Pam Lock, and husband Jeff, and Patti Krueger and husband Greg; 10 grandkids: Ashley Caltry and partner Hallie, Josh Walker and partner Anya, Joseph Caltry and partner Danielle, Corey Clonts and wife Kristin, Mandy Hongisto and husband Jarrett, Amber Wegescheide and husband Danny, Hayden Lock and wife Danica, Tasha Thurmond, Rose Hunter, and West Thurmond, (still looking for spouses for the last 3); 27 ½ great-grandchildren all which started with Riley Lock and so far has ended up with number 28 on the way.

Dad is reunited with his father and mother; a son, Joeseph Caltry; two grandsons, Brandon Caltry and Keith Mayberry; two sisters, Marie Miller and Louise Britt; a son-in-law Rich Walker; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, January 5, 2024, at the Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Holy Martyrs Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Friends may send their online condolences to Paul’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church.

All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center.