Center Point, Indiana - CENTER POINT - Calvin Edwin Vitz, age 79, passed away peacefully at 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, compassionate staff, and Pastor Doug Davis. He had been receiving excellent care at the Villas of Hollybrook in Brazil and at Clay County Hospital. Though he had spent many months in and out of the hospital with serious heart and kidney issues, he remained in good spirits. While we grieve deeply, we also rejoice that he is finally healed and no longer suffering.

Born in Terre Haute and spending his early years on Oak Street before moving to Poland, Indiana, in first grade, Calvin always considered Poland his true home. From a young age, he developed a love for the outdoors and for cattle - beginning with dairy cattle in his youth and later with beef. Farming brought him joy, as did teaching, and he poured his heart into both.

For 38.5 years, he taught in Brazil, Indiana with humor, warmth, and genuine care, touching countless lives in the classroom. His children are often stopped by people who tell them he was their favorite teacher - an honor that meant so much to him. What those students may not have known is that they meant just as much to him.

He also served his community through the Fair Board, being part of the leadership that gave us our current, beautiful Clay County 4-H facilities. In all that he did, he embraced every opportunity to support the people and places he loved.

Calvin will be remembered for many things - his friendliness, his wit, and his love of joking - but what he most hoped to be remembered for was his faith. He believed, just as his father had taught him, that a person doesn't have to be a preacher to minister to others. He lived out Christ's love through gentleness, integrity, compassion, and the deep conviction that every person is "somebody," created and dearly loved by God.

One of his most treasured traditions was singing "Happy Birthday" to family and friends first thing in the morning on their special day - something that those who loved him will miss dearly.

During his final week, all of his children and grandchildren - along with beloved family and friends - came to give their love and say their goodbyes. His four children even had a slumber party in his room, something they hadn't done since they were kids.

On Monday, December 1, he likely suffered a stroke and was unresponsive from that point until his passing, but he was never alone. From Monday through Wednesday, at least one family member was always by his side, most often several. He spent his final day listening to Gospel hymns sung by Alan Jackson, a gift suggested by one of his granddaughters. Toward the end of his life, he often said he was ready to go Home.

His favorite hymn was "On Eagle's Wings," especially the comforting words: "Say to the Lord: my refuge, my rock in whom I trust." Those words carried him - and now carry those who loved him in his absence from this earth.

He is survived by his four children: Mark (Karen), David (Elizabeth), Brian (Erin), and Ashlee (Bryan); and by nine grandchildren: Raimey (Nathan), Rylie (Dillon), Hallie, Abbie, Allie, Ava, Emmie, Otto, and Ezri.

He married Lita Mae (Moore) Vitz on June 26, 1970 who preceded him in death.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and the belief that a life lived with love is a life well lived.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Lawson-Miller Chapel in Brazil. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. and a graveside service immediately following at Center Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rock at 500 East 10th Street, Clay City, IN 47841.

www.frenchfuneralhome.com