Obituary of Harold Wayne Calhoon, M.D.

Harold Wayne Calhoon, M.D. was born March 21, 1933 in his family’s farmhouse in Beaver, Oklahoma; the seventh child born to Walter Lee and Wina Rae (Latta) Calhoon. He passed from this life Friday, September 9, 2016 in Tulsa at the age of 83. He grew up in Beaver where he lost his father at a young age, survived the Dust Bowl and worked the family farm while putting himself through college and medical school. Even though he finished near the top of his residency at the Mayo Clinic and established his practice in Tulsa, he was known as 'the beloved country doctor' to most of his patients. Almost more than doctoring, Harold loved the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman, bird hunter, gardener, hiker, rancher and all around naturalist. He could spot trout in the deepest pool, quail in the thickest brush and a buck in the densest Aspen grove. One day after plowing the field, he drove his pickup into Beaver for a milk shake and was smitten with the lovely 'soda jerk,' Myrna Jean Gregg. Not one to let an opportunity pass him by, Harold asked her to give the pin back to her boyfriend and go out with him. They were married a few months later on July 30, 1955 and the rest is history. She was the love of his life for the next 61 years. Harold learned how to work hard from his mother and older siblings, but he learned how to enjoy life from his grandchildren. He in turn taught them how to fish, chop wood, put up fence, hunt, shuck corn, churn ice cream and to be friendly and respectful to everyone. Harold's sense of humor was as legendary as the machete he kept in his office. Folks chuckled after most encounters with him, but it was his kindness and generosity that won their hearts. Rotarians knew him as "Hal" and were inspired by his leadership as President and his tireless support of the Celia Clinton Elementary School children whom he mentored. He was a man's man, old school, no fluff, no PC or sugar coating. He had a depth of character shaped by adversity. He wasn't preachy or prone to judge, but deeply spiritual; not gushy, but still sentimental. He never complained and as tough as his last few years were he only said, "Well, it could be a lot worse." Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Myrna; daughters, Lea Helmerich and her husband, Hans and Mary Beth Calhoon, PhD.; sons, Robert Wayne Calhoon and Edward Lile Calhoon and his wife, Jenifer; grandchildren, Isaac Breaker Helmerich and his wife, Lindsey who are expecting their first child in October, Shelby Kate Helmerich Rice and her husband, Dan, Maxim Rainer Helmerich and his wife, Natalia, Sunday Lane Helmerich, Hailey Beth Helmerich, Meghan Rachele Calhoon Horton and her husband, Joel, Holden Wayne Blasier Calhoon, Gage Lee MacAllister Calhoon, Alexander Keats Calhoon, Caleb Joseph Calhoon and Gabriel Edward Calhoon; great grandchildren, Grady Rice and Millie Helmerich; nephews, Scott Calhoon, Stephen Funk, John Calhoon, and TC Calhoon; nieces, Lane Calhoon Dolly, Sumner Hargrove and Sarah Calhoon. The Calhoon family is eternally grateful for the many loving kindnesses extended by Harold's dear friends and the staff of First Methodist Church. We are also thankful to Ola Adesokan, the First Call sitters and Saint Simeon's for their faithful, gentle and excellent care of our much loved father. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Tulsa Rotary Partnership in Education Fund, c/o Rotary Club of Tulsa, 616 S. Boston Ave. #410, Tulsa, OK 74119. Ninde Funeral & Cremation – (918) 742-5556 – www.ninde.com