Calvin Leon Jeter Jr. March 26, 1945 - December 15, 2025 Calvin Leon Jeter Jr. was born on March 26, 1945, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Elizabeth Anderson Jeter and Calvin Leon Jeter Sr. He was raised in Tuskegee, where his early years were shaped by family, faith, discipline, and a growing love of athletics and learning. Those values would guide him throughout a life marked by courage, intellect, and deep human connection.

Calvin went on to attend the University of New Mexico, where he became a standout member of the Lobos football team. He walked on and earned a full scholarship, playing defense and being recognized numerous times in the local press. He was named to the All-WAC Defensive Unit and was part of the 1964 team that captured the Western Athletic Conference championship. He graduated from UNM with a degree in Civil Engineering.

After college, Calvin was drafted into the United States Army. He trained as a paratrooper and was deployed to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles. He served on a 4.2-inch mortar team assigned to defend Eagle Base, one of the most heavily attacked and dangerous firebases in the region. Mortar crews were placed in forward defensive positions and were often the first to engage during enemy assaults. Calvin saw heavy combat shortly after arriving and served under intense and dangerous conditions from 1967 to 1973. He was honorably discharged from the Army.

Following his military service, Calvin continued his education at Carnegie Mellon University, earning a master's degree in Urban Planning. He moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked and explored his entrepreneurial interests, including owning and operating a record store - a reflection of his love of music, culture, and independent thought.

He later returned to New Mexico and began a long and respected career with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Serving for more than 25 years, primarily as a project manager, Calvin played a role in shaping the state's transportation infrastructure. He received numerous awards, including a Distinguished Service Award, and was widely admired by his colleagues for his leadership, professionalism, and integrity.

During his time at the State Highway Department, Calvin maintained a strong entrepreneurial spirit through real estate investing and other ventures. In retirement, he turned his keen analytical mind toward the stock market, where he actively traded equities, commodities, and options - a pursuit he approached with the same discipline and curiosity that defined every part of his life.

Calvin was a lifelong Democrat who loved deep political discussion and was a devoted supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union. He cared deeply about justice, equality, and the dignity of all people.

While in Vietnam, Calvin discovered a love for the game of poker, a passion that stayed with him for the rest of his life. He became especially fond of Texas Hold 'Em and played for decades, building a community of friends and family around the table - a place where strategy, laughter, and camaraderie always flowed.

He also loved movies, especially westerns, and was known as a warm, humorous man who valued lifelong friendships and meaningful conversation.

As a Black athlete in the 1960s, Calvin endured the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination. In later years, he formed deep bonds with fellow athletes who had lived through the same experiences. Together they created a group known as "Jocks Before Civil Rights," meeting regularly for lunches, reunions, and fellowship. These men - bound by shared hardship, perseverance, and pride - became some of his most cherished lifelong friends.

Calvin was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jimmy King. He is survived by his son, Zar Horton; his granddaughter, Jade Alger; his grandson, Zane Horton; his two great-grandchildren, Brian and Sage; and by his devoted domestic partner of 20 years, Cameron "Cami" Clare, whom he lovingly called "Cam." Calvin passed away on December 15, 2025, suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of courage, intelligence, humor, and deep, enduring love.

A memorial will be on Friday January 16, 2026 at 11:00am at French Funerals on Lomas Boulevard. A reception will follow at Revel at 4720 Alexander Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87107.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Southern Poverty Law Center at Donate Now - Southern Poverty Law Center