Melvin Perry Calk of Comstock, Texas was called home to be with Jesus on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Perry was born to J.P. and Mary Ethel Calk on May 30, 1936, in Del Rio, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Editha Jo (Russell) Calk; son Philip Calk and wife Kathy of Brackettville, Texas; daughter Janna Calk of Del Rio, Texas; son Clinton Calk and wife Tina of Tipp City, Ohio; son Rusty Calk and wife Pattie of Lampasas, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 4 nephews and a niece. He is preceded in death by his parents J.P. Calk, Jr. and Mary Ethel (Brotherton) Calk, brother Jack Calk, and sister Mary Nell "Bobbie" Edwards. He was devoted to family and enjoyed opportunities to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Perry spent the earliest days of his life moving up and down the Southern Pacific Railroad from Comstock to El Paso while his father worked as a pumpman with the railroad. Once he began school, most of his time was spent working on his grandfather's ranch near Comstock and learning the business of ranching. After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry, Perry served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bliss and Pearl Harbor. During his time in the Army, he earned multiple citations as a Sharpshooter and was part of the Army Chorus. He was honorably discharged in 1965. Perry went into the ranching business as a partner with his grandfather and brother along the Pecos and Rio Grande rivers. He soon bought the business as an independent owner. He continued to ranch the area for the next 30 years. He was fluent in Spanish and epitomized the diverse culture of the Southwest Texas ranching community. While at Texas Tech, Perry was introduced to his future bride Editha Jo Russell. After wooing her with his guitar playing and singing (and the fact that he wore a hat!), they soon became engaged and married. They spent a lifetime together raising a strong family of four devoted, loving children. Perry set high standards, serving as an exemplary role model and servant of Christ. He adored his children and enjoyed teaching them about animals, hunting, fishing, trapping, ranching, and serving God as he instilled a strong work ethic. He enjoyed teasing and horseplay with them showing them the lighter side of life, too. Service to God was the guiding force in Perry's life. Involvement in church was a lifelong priority. He grew up attending Comstock Baptist Church with his parents and grandparents. He was always involved in church, particularly in the music ministry, wherever he went. Perry was ordained as a Baptist Deacon in 1970 and served as a music director for most of his life. He also served as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher and Royal Ambassador leader. Perry had a significant influence in the lives of others. In addition to his church work, he served as a project leader in the Val Verde County 4-H Club for many years, coaching the Val Verde County 4-H rifle team and leading the Sheep Show project in the Comstock area. Through his volunteer work, Perry sought to instill dedication, hard work, integrity, and self-discipline into young lives. He also had great impact mentoring the young people who spent summers and weekends working at the ranch. We offer praise to God for giving us this wonderful husband, father, and grandfather even as we grieve his leaving. He will be missed. Services will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with visitation at 9 am followed immediately by the funeral service at 10 am. Graveside service and interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas Baptist Men in Dallas, or West Texas Boys Ranch, San Angelo.