Calvin Burkett was born on July 20, 1933 in Hayti, MO to Aquilla Burkett and Dora Peterson. He had a host of brothers and sisters. Six brothers preceded him in death, Nathaniel Hurns, William C. Smith, Lee Lonzo Smith, Lee Aphonso Smith, Thomas Burkett and Prince Albert Burkett. Calvin Burkett joined with Louise Stokes in St. Louis, Mo. and had six beautiful children. Calvin served his country in the Army during the Korean war. Later he became a St. Louis cab driver in which he retired after becoming ill. Calvin accepted Christ at an early age and served as a Deacon at Mt. Carmel UMB Church. He later moved to Springfield, Mo. and joined New Hope International Ministries where he was a faithful member. On April 10, 2012 the Lord called Calvin home. Leaving to cherish his loving memory, his brother, Judge Hurns of St. Louis, Mo. sister, Joyce Coleman of Columbus, MS. and Zula May Burkett of Virginia; Son''s, Willie Burkett, Dennis Burkett, Jerome Burkett, Calvin Burkett Jr.; daughters, Shirley Stokes, Bettina Burkett, Iesha Burkett and Joyce Johnson, who proceeds him in death; twenty one grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.