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CALKINS, CDR. DONALD L, U.S.N. RET. Age 83, a resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, April 18 2013. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Valerie M Calkins; sons Andrew Calkins (Pamela) of Portland, OR and David Calkins (Kimberly) of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Logan, Ryan and Emma; brother, John R. Calkins and many family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Annabel Calkins; and brothers, Robert and Fred Calkins. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. Donald served our country honorably for 29 years before retiring in 1978. He graduated from Otterbein College in 1952 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He received his aviator wings in 1955 and the next few years he was flying everywhere and anywhere. He deployed twice on the USS Bon Homme Richard with squadrons VA 126 and VA 125. Later, he trained pilots as a flight instructor in Mississippi for three years before serving with COMNAVAIRLANT as a nuclear weapons safety officer. In 1968, he deployed on the USS Independence during which time he met his wife Valerie in Malta and they were married a year later. He spent the next four years with CINCPAC in Hawaii before moving to New Mexico in 1974 to join the Defense Nuclear Agency. After retiring he stayed active by taking up computer programing and being very involved in local political campaigns. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2:00pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 6200 Gibson Blvd. SE. Internment will take place Friday, April 26, 2013 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 9500 Montgomery NE, Suite 209 Albuquerque, NM 87111. Please visit our online guestbook for Donald at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Sun April 21, 2013