Calvin Franklin “Cal” Ennis, 90, died at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born March 7, 1925 in Alton, he was the son of William Zachariah and Viola Ovila (Thompson) Ennis. He went to radio training school before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served during WWII in submarine service on board the USS Bluefish 222 and was a member of the VFW Post 1308. He enjoyed attending weekly meetings of his PTSD Group at Jefferson Barracks. A former member of Brown Street Baptist Church, Mr. Ennis sang in the choir, served as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher for the young married couples class. As a woodworker, he volunteered his skills to the church where needed, including making cabinets for the church. He later became a member of Heartland Baptist Church and served as an usher and built the wooden cross that is hanging behind the choir. He also used his woodworking skills to build props for the Showtime Productions Dance Studio in Alton. On December 20, 1947 he married the former Virginia Moody in Alton. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Barbara J. (Ennis) Laslie of Godfrey, and Paulette Janine Ennis of Chicago, two grandchildren, David Laslie (Christopher Roberts) of Belleville, and Shaun T. Laslie (Laura) of Bethalto, three great grandchildren, Caden, Alaina, and Abigail Laslie. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his step father Frederick “Joe” Burger, two sons, William Dwight and Calvin Brady Ennis, a son-in-law, David Wayne Laslie, and two sisters, Imogene (Ennis) Billings and Martha (Burger) Cunningham. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Dr. Jim Grant will officiate as well as Chaplain Cynthia Wayne-Lupkey from Jefferson Barracks PTSD Group. Burial will be at Fosterburg Cemetery with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or Heartland Baptist Church. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
