William C. Calico

William Chester “Chet” Calico passed away with loving family by his side on Friday, September 4th, 2020, at the age of 65 years. Chet was born on August 22, 1955, in Tulsa, OK to his parents, Vernon and Patsy (Rowden) Calico.

Chet was a natural leader and an exceptional athlete. He attended Owasso High School, and he lettered in 3 different sports - Football, Baseball, and Basketball. He was the Quarterback of the ‘71 and ‘72 football teams making play-offs both years and was named an All District Selection his Senior year. Chet led the Owasso basketball team to the Conference Championship in ‘70-’71 and was selected All District Guard his Senior year. He was a member of the 1973 State Championship baseball team (Owasso’s first ever in any sport!). He graduated from Owasso High School as a member of the Class of 1973 where he was affectionately known as GUTS by his teammates and peers. Admired by his athleticism, Chet received a scholarship to play football at Northeastern State. In 2017, he officially joined Ram athletic Royalty when he was inducted into the Owasso Athletics Hall of Fame. What a legacy he left! As you would hear him chant regularly - Once a Ram… Always a Ram!

If you think Chet was proud of his athletic career, you should see the way he shined when talking about his family. Chet married Deborah Watkins, a childhood friend (and obvious crush) on August 21, 1999. They enjoyed living life with each other, their families and loads of friends. He was funny, quick-witted… famous for his Chet-isms. He could make a friend with anyone that would stop to chat with him. Some of his favorite times were spent camping with Debi - well actually “glamping” in their RV- whether it was just the two of them or with their Roaming Elks Camping Group, he always loved those times. Chet was a member of the Broken Arrow Elks Lodge 2673. He loved to dance. He would spend hours on the dance floor dancing with anyone who would give him the honor; after of course he had twirled Debi to the point of exhaustion. Another thing Chet loved spending his days doing was watching his kids and grandkids do whatever made them happy. Whether that was sports, marching band, showing livestock and everything in between, seeing the smiles on their faces - made him the happiest.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Vernon and Patsy Calico.

Chet leaves behind his beloved family and many friends who hold cherished memories including: Debi Calico - wife, of Broken Arrow Two Siblings: Thomas Calico and wife Kathy, of Collinsville; Julie Wells and husband Bryant of Lamar, Arkansas. Five Children: Toia Dungan of Broken Arrow; William “Ike” Calico and wife Lindy of Oologah; Cambry Shields and husband Casey of Owasso; Stephen Adkisson of Tulsa; Daniel Adkisson of OKC. As well as an incredible group of grandkids and an awesome host of loving relatives and great friends.

A private family gathering was held after his passing.

Per his wishes, a public gathering will be held 1:00pm Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the Broken Arrow Elks Lodge 2673. Please join us to celebrate The Man, The Myth, The Legend- Chet Calico.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Tulsa Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145. Family and friends may leave kind words or comfort, special memories, and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.