Calvin Jack Spann Sr. (1924 - 2015)

Born 28 Nov 1924 in Wallington, Bergen County, New Jersey

Died 6 Sep 2015 at age 90 in McKinney, Collin County, Texas

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Biography

Calvin Spann Sr. is Notable.

Calvin Spann was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and a fighter pilot with the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. Calvin Spann received his wings from the Tuskegee Flight School as a part of the graduating class of 44G. As a member of the United States Army Air Corps, he served in Europe during World War II, where he flew 26 combat missions before the end of the war in the European Theatre.^[1]

Calvin Jack Spann was born in 1924.^[2] He was the son of Rebecca and Jack Spann.

In 2008, he married Gwenelle E Johnson.^[3]

His military awards and decorations include the Air Medal (with one Oak leaf cluster), the Presidential Unit Citation, the European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, The American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. On February 28, 2006, the U.S. Congress approved a bill authorizing President George W. Bush to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States

Later in his life, Calvin Spann spoke at schools, churches and organizations about the Tuskegee Airmen experience and how their courage and valor helped them to triumph. During these speeches, he encouraged students to make a commitment to excel in the study of mathematics and science, and reminding them that through preparation and perseverance they can succeed.

Obituary

Calvin Spann lived in Englewood, New Jersey and worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Calvin Spann died on September 6, 2015 at the age of 90 in McKinney, Texas, where he had moved in 2006 to be close to his daughter, Carla Spann and his grandchildren Carson and Cameron. He was predeceased by his parents; Rebecca and Joseph Spann, siblings: Ada Spann Dean, Pearline Spann Rembert, Anna Spann Bratcher, Carolyn Spann Smallwood and Joseph Spann. He is survived by his wife: Gwenelle Spann, children; Gai Spann, Carla Spann-Lopez (Gino), Calvin J. Spann, II (Grace), grandsons: Carson and Cameron Lopez, granddaughter: Olivia Grace Spann, sister-in-law: Elizabeth Spann, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is buried in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, New Jersey.^[4][5]

Sources

1. ↑ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_J._Spann
2. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947"
   National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Draft Registration Cards for New Jersey, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 626
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2238 #301325088
   Name: Calvin Jack Spann; Race: Negro (Black); Age: 18; Birth Date: 28 Nov 1924; Birth Place: Passaic, New Jersey; Residence Place: Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey; Registration Date: 31 Dec 1942; Registration Place: Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey, USA; Employer: Rotherford High School; Height: 5 6"; Weight: 140; Complexion: Black; Hair Color: Black; Eye Color: Brown; Next of Kin: Mr Rebecca Spann.
3. ↑ Marriage: "Texas, U.S., Marriage Index, 1824-2017"
   Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin, Texas
   Ancestry Record 8795 #14067081
   Calvin J Spann (84) marriage to Gwenelle E Johnson on 5 Dec 2008 in Collin, Texas, USA.
4. ↑ https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/northjersey/name/calvin-spann-obituary?pid=175812579
5. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #172120203
   Memorial page for Calvin J. Spann Famous memorial (28 Nov 1924-6 Sep 2015), citing East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton, Passaic County, New Jersey, USA (plot: Mausoleum building, top level, third on the right after the door.); Maintained by Find a Grave.

• 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
  Year: 1930; Census Place: Wallington, Bergen, New Jersey; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 0244; FHL microfilm: 2341052
  Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6224 #22357629
  Calvin J Spann (5), single son, in household of Joseph H Spann (34) in Wallington, Bergen, New Jersey, USA.
• 1940 Census: "1940 United States Federal Census"
  Year: 1940; Census Place: Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey; Roll: m-t0627-02314; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 2-317
  Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2442 #130886082
  Calvin Spann (15), single son, School, in household of Joseph Spann (45) in Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey. Born in New Jersey.

• Family records