Theodore Laurence “Ted” Kalka, 86, was born October 21, 1939, to John and Mary Kalka of Agra, Oklahoma, and passed away August 22, 2026.

On August 29, 1959, Ted married the love of his life, Marilyn Kay Allen. Together, they shared nearly 67 years of marriage, building a life centered around family and creating memories that will live on for generations.

Ted proudly served his country as a member of the Air National Guard, beginning his military career shortly after graduating from high school. His service spanned more than four decades, culminating in his retirement in October 1999 with the distinguished rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Ted, it was that he never did anything halfway. Whatever captured his interest, he was all in. He was intensely competitive, enthusiastic and larger than life in just about everything he chose to do.

In his younger years, Ted competitively roped steers, raced sand rails and dune buggies, played competitive golf and was an avid fisherman. Whether he had a rope in his hand, a steering wheel in front of him, a golf club on his shoulder or a fishing rod nearby, Ted approached it with the same determination and enthusiasm.

As the years passed, that competitive spirit found its greatest outlet in his family.

Ted was a devoted supporter of his granddaughter, Erin Kalka Allen, throughout her years as a competitive softball player and Division I pitcher at the University of Missouri. If Erin was playing, Ted was invested—and everyone knew it.

That pride continued with his great-granddaughters, Kennedy Kay Allen and Logan Ann Allen. He proudly followed Kennedy's journey as a competitive softball pitcher to Oklahoma State University, where she is now a freshman Division I pitcher for the Cowgirls. He was equally proud of Logan, a competitive high school golfer, and especially enjoyed watching her develop the same love of golf he had enjoyed himself.

For Ted, their games were never just games. He loved those girls fiercely and took enormous pride in watching each generation compete and succeed.

Ted is survived by his wife, Kay; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karla Kalka; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Erin and Chaz Allen; great-granddaughters, Kennedy and Logan; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Bob Cindle; sister-in-law, Carol Kalka; brother-in-law, Frank Lane; nieces Karen Schooley, Kathy Kalka, Kim Cindle Shockey and Nicona Lane; nephews-in-law Ed Schooley, Randy Shockey and Morgan Buckner; great-nieces Johnna Schooley, McKenzie Schooley, Majken Buckner and Emily Miller; great-nephew Ryan Durning and his wife, Kristen; great-great-nephew James Hudson Durning; and Loralie and Brock, children of Nicona; along with other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joe Michael “Mike” Kalka; infant grandson, Matthew Joseph Kalka; brother, John Brixey “J.B.” Kalka; Kathy Cindle Buckner; and Sue Lane.

Ted lived life with an intensity all his own. He competed hard, loved fiercely, supported his family wholeheartedly and never understood the meaning of doing anything halfway.

His presence will be deeply missed, but the competitive spirit, fierce devotion and unmistakable enthusiasm with which he lived will continue through the generations he loved so dearly.