Calvin J. Carithers, 89, of Hutchinson, died on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. He was born November 15, 1927, to James Calvin and Edith Violet (Harter) Carithers in Pretty Prairie.

Calvin graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1945. Right after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving from June 1945 until June 1949, during the height of World War II, mainly in London and Paris. During his service, he served as a body guard to John Foster Dulles after whom Dulles Airport in Washington, D. C. was named. Calvin stood guard over United States dignitaries, who were meeting with the United States Ambassador to France and the French president. He was also trusted with transporting high security documents to other countries. During Calvin's military service, he met Anne Cowell of London, England. He brought her back with him to the United States, where they were married in Washington, D. C. before making their home in Pretty Prairie. Calvin then took over operations of his father's house moving business, which was his career for many years.  Calvin and Anne had two children, Pamela and Michael. Anne died in 1979. In 1995, Calvin married Barbara Galloway. They later divorced, but remained lifelong companions, right up until the end of his life.

Calvin loved to travel! He enjoyed trips to England, Ireland, Spain, many trips to Mexico, Caribbean, and European cruises, Belize and the Ozarks. His last trip was in 2015, where he took part in the Kansas Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. to commemorate his time in the United States military.  Calvin enjoyed gardening, especially tomatoes and was always tinkering in his shop. He could repair absolutely anything and afterwards whatever he repaired would never break again.

Calvin is survived by: daughter, Pamela Casanova of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Rachel Gorges (Dennis) of Andale, Alyssa Casanova of Hutchinson, Calla Casanova of Kansas City, Missouri, Kendall Carithers of Houston, Texas, Cole Carithers (Jessica) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Payne Carithers of Wichita; seven great-grandchildren with two more due to arrive at the end of the year; and former wife, Barbara.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his eight brothers and sisters, son Michael and former wife Anne Carithers.

Cremation has taken place. His remains were inurned at Lone Star Cemetery, Pretty Prairie. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 1017, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Friends and family may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
May Calvin rest in peace, after a long hardworking and fulfilling life.