"Big John" Calus

John Joseph Calus I, son of the late Joseph and Helen (Stelmach) Calus, was born on April 28,

1948, in Batavia, New York, and went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2022, at his home in

Mountain Grove, Missouri, surrounded by family. He was 74 years of age.

In his younger years, John could be found hunting, trapping, fishing, or getting into social

mischief. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marines and served on the frontlines of the

Vietnam War from 1968-1969. He didn’t speak of it and did not ask for praise, but we thank him

for his service.

After coming home, John was united in marriage to Linda Lee Caton on August 20, 1971. Two

sons and three daughters were born to this union. John worked as a journeyman electrician and

carpenter in New York while Linda taught special education. In 1980, John decided to move

himself, Linda, and the three oldest kids to Missouri due to the heavy snow and taxes of New

York. During their years in Missouri, John and Linda ran many successful businesses: Mountain

Grove Motel and Restaurant, United Country Real Estate, and Calus Concrete Products. He

passed his successful entrepreneurship traits down to his children.

John was a man of God and was a member of the Cowboy Church of Macomb where he could

be heard humming hymns out of tune every Sunday. His faith never wavered after his

dedication to God and baptism. John made sure we said grace before every meal, every car

trip, and every night. He encouraged his friends and family in the faith.

John is remembered as an inventor, label maker, engraver, fisherman, lover of animals, food

appreciator, and most memorably as Dad and Grandpa. He was also known to be stubborn and

hardheaded. John loved fixing things that weren’t broken and modifying every gun he ever

owned. He taught his kids to believe in God, that glue and duct tape fixes everything, to stand

up for what you believe in, and to slow down and enjoy life.

His impact on those around him will be remembered in the laughs during serious moments, in

the warmth of a home cooked meal, and in the comfort of a hug from a loved one.

Besides his parents, John is preceded in death by an aunt, Ann Orlowski, a cousin, Danny

Orlowski, a brother-in-law, Robert Thompson, and a great-granddaughter, Adley Cantrell.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Calus; two sons, John Calus II and Joseph Calus with

wife Stephanie; three daughters, Christy Bramwell, Catie Ronson with husband Russ, and Carly

Collins with husband Tyler; a sister, Mary Thompson; thirteen grandchildren, Kayla Cantrell,

Kimberly Hayes, Kallie Calus, Keelie Allen, Boone Bramwell, Irelin Bramwell, John Calus III,

Rachel Ronson, Abigail Ronson, Jillian Ronson, Emily Ronson, Gabriella Ronson, and Colt

Collins; and seven great-grandchildren.

By his wishes, there will not be a funeral service for John Calus. If you wish to remember him with us, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Center via the fund created in his name.