Aug. 10, 1923 — April 16, 2014

Calvin Hargis, 90, of Niles, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

He was born on Aug. 10, 1923, in Texarkana, Texas to Calvin H. and Emlie B. (Waller) Hargis. On Sept. 13, 1958, Calvin married Arlene Schmierer of Glendale, New York. The two spent several years in the missionary work and touched many lives along the way. They settled down in Niles, Mi. Their first child, Kevin Warren was born in 1972, and their second child, Beth Anne Was born in 1980.

Calvin supported his family through custodial work for many years. Many companies in Niles were clients of Calvin and Arlene’s. Calvin washed windows downtown for many years. With this flexible schedule he was able to pursue his love for the ministry work. Through the years he reached many with the wonderful message the Bible holds. Calvin was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 72 years.

Calvin also loved to be in the garden. He would spend hours a day outside in his garden. This love for the garden was passed down to his two grandsons, including his beloved recipes for freezer jam and dill pickles.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene; two children, Kevin (Celeste) Hargis of Edwardsburg and Beth (Kenneth) Squires of Niles; three grandchildren, Taylor Hargis, Logan Squires and Ethan Squires; sister, Betty Kittle of Pueblo, Colo. and brother, Ted Hargis of Hutchison, Kan.

He is preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Emlie; sisters, Eula, Sophia, Bertha and Eva and brothers, Harold and Tom.

A memorial service will be held by the family at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014 at the Niles Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 603 N. 17th St., Niles. Don Leinonen, local elder and family friend, will conduct the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com