Christopher Calkins

Chris was born in Kansas City, MO. to Ed and Suella (Hathaway) Calkins. A lifelong resident of Shawnee, KS, Chris attended Bluejacket Elementary School, Hocker Grove Junior High and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. After graduating high school, Chris went to work for the family-owned business of Calkins Electric Supply. After many years, Chris retired from Calkins Electric Supply in 2013. Then, in 2017, with his brother Jeff Calkins and long-time friend Bruce Young, along with their spouses, they purchased the historic building that was the local movie theater from 1927-1974. After over 3 years of renovation, they opened the Aztec Shawnee Theater, to share their passion of classic movies and live entertainment with crowds young and old.

Chris loved being surrounded by family and friends. Chris’s family meant everything to him and was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated advocate of Downtown Shawnee and its revitalization. He served on countless committees to help promote and bring more business to the downtown corridor. He loved working at the Aztec Shawnee Theater and made countless heart felt connections with all the performers and customers that he interacted with. His passion for restoration extended beyond the theater with his lifelong hobbies of working on his classic cars, and restoring old pinball machines, jukeboxes, and arcade games. To his family he was Mr. Fix-it. There was almost nothing he couldn’t repair.

Chris is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Tammie and their children Kaleigh Calkins, Shane Calkins, and grandson, Allister Calkins. His mother Suella Calkins. Siblings and spouses- Wendi (Calkins) and Bob Levitt, Jeff and Tara Calkins. Brother-in-law Rob and Glenna Nance, Sister-in-law-Patricia Carrier. 9 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl “Ed” Edwin Calkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Aztec Shawnee Theater, 11119 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS 66203, on Thursday, June 8th from 5pm-9pm.