Photo courtesy of Frye Chapel & Mortuary of Blythe - Blythe
Blythe, California
Jul 31, 1953 – Jan 20, 2025
Jeffrey Morris Callan passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Arizona. He was 71 years old. He is survived by his wife and High School Sweetheart Cindy Smith Callan, two daughters Jennifer (Neil) McDowell of Peoria, AZ and Jessica Palacios of Redlands, CA, six grandchildren- Aaron McDowell, Gavin Palacios (Baily), Amy McDowell, Fairlane Palacios (Erick), Cali Palacios and Zane Palacios, and two great-grandchildren Obdulio and Haven.
Jeff was born in San Diego, California to John and Mary Frances Callan, both have preceded him in death. His childhood was spent in Blythe, CA with his surviving brothers John (Diane) Callan of Vail, AZ and James Callan (Andrew) of Santa Fe, NM.
Jeff enjoyed growing up in a small community with strong family ties. He worked in the family business of gas and oil distribution during his younger years. He met his wife of 51 years at Palo Verde High School. He obtained his Masters in Education while raising his family in Blythe. He had a thirty-year career with the Palo Verde Unified School District, including teaching multiple grade levels and serving as the Principal of Felix J Appleby Elementary. He was extremely proud of being an educator and was a wonderful teacher.
Jeff enjoyed fishing and kayaking. He was an avid reader as well. Some creative outlets that he enjoyed were listening to music and drawing. He was a devout Catholic and active member of St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Blythe, California until he moved to Arizona after his retirement. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and friendly personality which he maintained throughout his six-month battle with cancer. Jeff was a wonderful man loved by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Jeff will be held on February 4, 2025 at the St Joan of Arc Catholic Church 875 E Chanslorway, Blythe, CA 92225. Rosary at 9:00 am, with Mass at 10:00 am.
A private family internment will follow in Arizona.
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Mr. Callen out of all my teachers in my life, you were my favorite. I was going through a lot during my 4th grade year and you saw a light in me. You had more faith in me than I did. I learned a lot about my 10 year old self during my time in 4th grade. I am sorry that the world lost one of the best educators. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your 4th grade student Shellie Morgan.
Shellie Barney
February 27, 2025 | Murray, UT
Jeff and I attended local schools together as we were growing up in Blythe and his mother was my third grade teacher. In the early 1980s, we carpooled back and forth to the SDSU Calexico campus while we were working on getting our teaching credentials. Jeff was a great guy and an avid conversationalist with a wicked sense of humor. He and I were teaching colleagues at Appleby Elementary School before and after his tenure as Principal at Appleby. My deepest condolences to his family and...
Connie Heater Bacus
January 25, 2025 | Prescott, AZ | Friend
My Condolences to the family I met Jeff when I worked for his parents he was such a great person along with his wife and daughters. Rest In Peace Jeff
Martha G Salazar
January 24, 2025 | Cathedral Cty, CA | Friend
Knowing Jeff for years through our teaching careers made us more than just fellow teachers but also friends. His sister in law, Diane, is Jeff's and my connection since Diane and I are extremely close. Jeff's brother, John, is a dear friend as well and my heart goes out to him as well as Jeff's wife and daughters. He is in God's Embrace free of any suffering. We all will be rejoined one day as if time has stood still. Love in Christ, Toni.
Toni Magers-Andersen
January 24, 2025 | Sun City West, AZ 85375, AZ | Friend
Rest in peace my friend
Debbie Lindquist
January 24, 2025 | Blythe, CA | Friend
Jeff was a guy you couldn’t help but like. He and his brother, John were friends of my brother and myself. I sent condolences to his family.
Kent Ross
January 24, 2025 | Mesa, AR | Friend