Calvin Cordes

Calvin Cordes passed away 1-5-2022 around noon at his home with his wife, Becky Carter, and beloved dog, Lucas by his side. Calvin lived for 63 years and believe me those 63 years were full of life. He was the fourth child of Ed and Betty Jo Cordes. He played hard and worked hard his whole life. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was the most talented carpenter ever put on this earth. He built sturdy homes and beautiful cabinets and furniture to fill those homes. One of Calivn’s favorite sayings, which he had printed on the back of his company T-shirts was: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intentions of arriving safely, in a pretty and well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, Wow, what a ride!” The humor and smartass attitude in that is pure Calvin but Calvin sincerely believed and lived by the saying. Calvin was adamant that he did not want a funeral or memorial and his wife Becky fought him and won on whether he would have an obituary and she and Calvin wrote this obituary before his death. Calvin wanted his family and friends to remember the good times they shared with him. He asked them to listen to: “I Did It My Way” by Elvis and “When I Am Gone” by Joey and Rory, to give comfort and just because he liked the songs and wanted to share the message.

Calvin wanted people to remember him when he was healthy and not when he was sick, so his passing will be a shock to some of his friends, but again Calvin did it his way and wanted to protect them from the ugliness of death.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 20 years, Becky Carter, shop partner and beloved Dog Lucas; his chosen daughter, Michelle Stephenson and her family, Will, Chloe, Cadence and Charlotte; his sisters, Jackie Cordes and Rose Cordes; his brother, Larry Cordes and niece Alex. Calvin had a lot of friends, but some became like family to his and he wanted them mentioned: Amanda Settles, Wesley McIntosh, Hunter Williams, Brandon Sanders, Jack Himes, Gary Martin and Bobby Joe Tucker.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com