Wamer J. Callahan Jr.

CALLAHAN, Wamer J. Jr., passed away March 5, 2009 at his home in Colonial Heights after a lengthy illness. Buddy, as he was known to everyone, was born February 12, 1924 to the late Wamer J. and Lutie Lewis Callahan. Mr. Callahan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific. After the war, he received his BA and MFA degrees at Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William & Mary. He was a teacher in the Colonial Heights School System, a founder of Swift Creek Mill Playhouse, where he was a Director of the Theatre for 24 years until his retirement due to health reasons in 1989. He was also an active member of Christ & Grace Episcopal Church in Petersburg and served on the vestry. Mr. Callahan was also predeceased by his sister, Jacquelynne C. McCoull, and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty Hinton Callahan; his mother-in-law, Martha Lanier Hinton; a brother-in-law, Charles L. McCoull IV; a nephew, Joseph Thomas Mentzer; a niece, Renee L. McCoull, all of Colonial Heights; a nephew, Charles L. McCoull V and wife, Janice, of Chester; four grandnephews, Chan and Chris Mentzer, Chad and Ryan McCoull. A service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, March 9, 1 p.m. at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. David Teschner and Rev. Dr. Boston Lackey officiating. Following the memorial service, the family will greet friends in the Parish Hall and interment will follow in the Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ & Grace Episcopal Church, 1545 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, Va. 23805 or to your local SPCA. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.