Calvin Leslie Dirks was born on October 27, 1938 to Jesse and Marie (Unruh) Dirks at Hillsboro, Kansas. He went to sing with the angels on August 16, 2026 at Bethel Home Montezuma, Kansas, reaching the age of 87 years.

Dad's childhood was spent in various places in Kansas, moving frequently. He spoke often of the Burrton area, where his father managed an elevator. Dad helped out there and also ran a paper route. He was fascinated with how things worked and had a talent for electronics. Dad was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on April 25, 1951 by Carl Dirks at Halstead, Kansas.

Dad traveled to many locations with Minister Albert Unruh and the "All for Christ" Crusade, providing the singing together with his parents and sister. He met the love of his life at an early age, at a singing evening at Bethel Home. He married MaryAnn Giesbrecht on May 11, 1958 in Montezuma, Kansas.

They made Scott City their home, changing houses about every two years. Finally in 1970 their dream of moving to the farm to raise a family was fulfilled. He spent many years installing P.A. Systems in churches, and spent much time working at the new Bethel Home.

In 1987, folks moved to the Detroit, Texas area. Dad and Mom enjoyed working with the public owning a feed store, handing out bubble gum to all the children who came in.

Dad was a lover of song and was a song leader for many years. Often while driving, he and Mom would sing. They often sang "Down on My Knees." Many times, Uncle Jim's or others would come over and spend the evening singing. He enjoyed putting songs on the songline, and making booklets for song requests - hoping to make someone smile or lighten their load.

In later life, Dad and Mom moved to Montezuma. Our family is very grateful for the loving care dad received at Bethel Home. Dad's grandchildren and great grandchildren were all very special to him.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his dear wife, MaryAnn of Bethel Home, Montezuma; five children, Richard and Janell Dirks of Scott City, Randy and Jan Dirks of Cheraw, South Carolina, Valerie and Roger Holdeman of Detroit, Texas, Lyle and Cindy Dirks of Montezuma, and Sharilyn and Shawn Hiebert of Thomas, Oklahoma; 19 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sibling, Christina Koehn; one brother-in-law, Jim Koehn; a granddaughter, Michelle Dirks Koehn; and a great grandson, Derek Decker.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Scott Mennonite Congregation, Scott City. Burial will follow at the Scott Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Bethel Home in Montezuma from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. and Wednesday evening at the church. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care Swaim Funeral Chapel. Thoughts and memories may be left in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.