Ronald LaMar Calvert 78, of Owensboro, Kentucky passed away Friday, July 3, 2026 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, following a brief illness. Ronald LaMar Calvert was born August 30, 1947 in Madisonville, Kentucky to the late Sherman Lee and Dorothy Brasher Calvert. He was married to the former Phyllis Crumbaker on April 6, 1973, and was better known as ‘Ronnie’ to both his family and friends.
Ronnie was raised in Island, Kentucky. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Central City and graduated from Livermore High School. After graduation, Ronnie joined the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Talladega. His military service took him to Hawaii, the Philippines, and Australia. During his military service in the Vietnam War, Ronnie broke his back, and injury that permanently changed the course of his life. He lived with the painful physical consequences for the rest of his life – a lasting sacrifice of his service to his country. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
A devoted Catholic, Ronnie was a member of Saint Stephen Cathedral for more than 40 years. Ronnie and his wife, Phyllis, shared 53 years of marriage and a devotion that truly embodied their vows through sickness and health. Ronnie was especially devoted to his only child, Sarah, and she to him. As the first girl born into the family of all boys in many years, she held a special place in his heart from the beginning. The two shared an exceptionally close father – daughter bond that remained constant throughout his life. Ronnie considered Sarah’s husband, Glen, not simply a son-in-law, but a true son.
Becoming ‘Papaw’ to Myles and Monroe brought Ronnie tremendous joy. He was wild about his grandchildren and immensely proud of them. They brought joy and happiness to his life.
Ronnie had a lifelong love of old cars and NASCAR racing. He was especially proud of his beloved 1979 Ford Bronco, which remained his for the rest of his life. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and listening to classic country music. He will be remembered for his fun-loving nature and his teasing sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Calvert and Phillip Calvert.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis Calvert; his daughter, Sarah Robinson (Glen) of Owensboro; his beloved grandchildren, Myles Robinson and Monroe Robinson; his brother, Tony Calvert of Island; his brother-in-law, Steve Crumbaker (Paulette) of Fruitland Park, Florida; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. (noon) Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Saint Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro. Burial will be in the Island Baptist Cemetery in Island with Military Honors conducted by the McLean County Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5415. Friends may visit with Ronnie’s family from 10:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. (noon) Thursday at Saint Stephen Cathedral. Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel is handling the arrangements for Ronnie’s family.
The Ronald LaMar Calvert family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Island Baptist Cemetery Fund; C/O Joe Howell; 835 Doug Hill Road; Island, Kentucky 42350.
Share your memories and photos of Ronnie at musterfuneralhomes.com.