Calvin John Anthony, 81, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love and adoration of his family. A public memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Oklahoma State University Wes Watkins Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Born on Jan. 19, 1945, in Amarillo, Texas, to Willie Alva Anthony and Nicola Ruth (Alford) Anthony, he was the second born of six children, including Bobby, Judy, Patricia and Sherry.

The family moved to Carney, Oklahoma, when Calvin was about seven years old, where they owned and operated Anthony’s Grocery, Dry Goods and Feed for over 25 years. During high school, Calvin was a standout athlete and struck out 20 batters during a 13-inning All-State final. He was also fond of mentioning that he was in the “Top 12” of his graduating class, which included 11 other members; he was, in fact, the valedictorian.

Baseball took Calvin to Oklahoma State University on a scholarship, but following the encouragement of his parents, he left after two years for the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.

A few months before graduation from pharmacy school in 1968, he had his last first date with Linda Helen Thomas, one of the smartest and most beautiful women to ever hail from Lincoln County. They married on August 10, 1968, in Chandler and moved to Stillwater where their love and lives tapped deep into the red clay soil.

Calvin and Linda led a charmed life. Their wedding registry resulted in winning an all-expenses paid trip to Europe. Over the decades, they traveled to all corners of the earth, visiting over 34 countries; sometimes for work, others for adventure, but always to reunite with friends or make new ones. Though they were gone frequently, oft to the chagrin of Calvin’s mother and other “babysitters”, they showed their family by example how to be fully engaged in both a happy marriage and professional pursuits. They both were raised in Church of Christ churches, and they have been members of the Stillwater Church of Christ since moving to Stillwater in 1968.

In 1969, Calvin and Linda purchased Tiger Drug Store, and later Central Drug; later, they would start Perkins Drug and Yale Drug. Then they started Tiger Medical Supply, which Linda managed, and purchased Chris’ Pharmacy in Perry. Both pharmacy and business ownership were perfect fits for Calvin. Caring for patients and helping others in the profession gave him great satisfaction.

Calvin was elected mayor of Stillwater in 1985, and in 1992, he began two terms as State Representative for District 34. In 1996, they moved to Fairfax, Virginia, so Calvin could lead the National Community Pharmacy Association, where he worked to preserve the ability to thrive for independent pharmacies across the country. During these years, Linda became an expert tour guide for their river of visitors to Washington D.C.

Calvin and Linda returned to Stillwater in 2002 and made a solemn vow to never miss another OSU sporting event or fundraiser. They have been OSU baseball season ticket holders since 1969, and in 2026, the OSU baseball team honored them by naming the home dugout in their honor.

Calvin was governed by a lifelong desire to lift up and make better those around him. He served on numerous boards, but he was most proud of his time on the OSU Board of Regents, Stillwater Medical Center and BancFirst boards.

During his life, he received countless awards and commendations; among his proudest include being inducted into both the OSU and Oklahoma Hall of Fames.

Calvin could be firm when a difficult decision was needed, but his decisions were made with thoughtful consideration and responsible care. He was sentimental when a song or a poem would strike him. But no matter the occasion, he could come up with a joke that perfectly fit. Outside of cheering on the Pokes in baseball, wrestling, basketball, football and tennis, Calvin’s favorite things were quail hunting, tending to his longhorn cattle and horses, spending every summer in Cuchara, Colorado, and spending time with his beloved grandchildren who cherished him as their “Papa”.

Calvin is preceded in death by his mother, Nicola “Tommie” Anthony; his father, Willie “Alva” Anthony; an infant brother; his grandparents; his parents-in-law; and his sister-in-law.

He is survived by his precious wife, Linda; his daughter, Rebecca Brantley (Will); his son, Luke Anthony (Jen); his son, Andrew Anthony (Aerial); his grandchildren, Grantham Hamm (Jasintha), Olivia Anthony, Jacqueline Hamm, Amelia Lambert (Coleton), Lucille Anthony, Henry Anthony, William Anthony and Lillian Anthony; his brother, Bobby Anthony (Paula), his sisters Judy Conn, Patty Keys (Tom) and Sherry Longan (Stan); and scores of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Stillwater Medical Center, Primrose Retirement Community and Fresenius Care for their steadfast care and attention.

Calvin always said that getting to go to college on a baseball scholarship changed his life, so in lieu of flowers, please consider making a scholarship donation to the OSU Baseball Scholastic Excellence fund in Calvin’s memory. Checks can be made out to the OSU Foundation with “baseball scholarship” in the memo line and mailed to OSU POSSE, 102 Athletics Center, Stillwater, OK, 74078. Alternatively, you can donate online at osugiving.com and select fund 23-52030 Baseball Excellence Scholastic Fund.

Calvin and Linda’s family, friends, and businesses were all seeds they planted in their 58 years together that continue to bear the fruit of a life that that was good and meaningful. Calvin will be missed and that would gratify him. But Calvin's love, wisdom, generosity and laughter will sing and crest long after the dirge.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.strodefh.com.