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Michael J. "Mike" Callahan
1947 - 2018
Michael J. "Mike" Callahan
1947 - 2018
Obituary
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Michael J. Callahan Obituary
Mike lived a life of hard work, patriotism, family commitment and community service. As a dedicated reader of the obituaries, Mike will be glad to know that others will be reading his incredible life story.
Mike was born April 19, 1947 in Kansas City, MO to Franklin and Mary Callahan. Growing up as a kid in Brookside, young Mike would visit the neighborhood market to claim wooden produce boxes to break down for woodworking projects. That hobby led to his epic wood shop where he made hundreds of pieces of furniture for family, friends and charity auctions. Mike spoiled his family with his signature pork chili and salsa at almost every family occasion. "Papa" kept alive the annual tradition of a family Christmas card photo regardless of the weather or how big the family got.
Mike worked for 42 years in insurance and benefits at Robert O'Byrne and Associates, Business Men's Assurance and the Grant Nelson Group. In June 2011, Mike retired from CBIZ surrounded by the dozens of employees he mentored, including his son Greg and daughter Polly.
A 1965 graduate of Southwest High School, Mike excelled at football, wrestling and causing mayhem with his friends. He earned a football scholarship to Central Missouri State University before enlisting in the Army in 1966. During his service in the Vietnam War, Mike earned the Purple Heart and the Army Medal of Commendation among other military honors. Until the end of his life, he continued to serve by counseling veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse up to four nights each week at the Kansas City Veterans Administration hospital. On Friday, Mike celebrated 28 years of sobriety.
Mike also served his community by helping to found Boys Hope Girls Hope, along with a seat on the board of St. Teresa's Academy. Kathleen and Mike chaired four annual charity auctions for Rockhurst High School and St. Teresa's. He also gave generously behind the scenes in ways that his family will likely never know.
The Royals, Chiefs and Tigers -- not to mention Fox News -- sometimes caused Papa to bark at the TV from his throne on the couch. He was also a dedicated sports fan for his children's sports from the bleachers of volleyball and football games -- but especially baseball games at Missouri 3&2 baseball. There will never be another brother, husband, dad or grandpa like Mike Callahan.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Mary Callahan and his son Harris Franklin James Callahan. Mike is survived by his wife of 29 years, Kathleen Callahan of Kansas City, MO; son Greg Callahan (Melissa) of Kansas City, MO; daughter Jennifer Landes (Mark) of Kansas City, MO; daughter Polly Thomas (Eric) of Leawood, KS; Katie Mulligan (Jeremy) of Independence, MO; Connor Callahan of Kansas City, MO; Shea Callahan of Kansas City, MO; and his grandchildren Abby, Ella, Parker, Hunter, Owen, Sophie, Callahan, Caden, Rory, Molly, Eleanor and Elizabeth.
If you care to make a contribution in Mike's memory, the family suggests Rockhurst High School or the Michael J. Callahan Memorial Fund : https://gkccf.kimbia.com/call08 which benefits Catholic education endeavors. Please share a memory at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Val Tankard
February 19, 2018
We will remember Mike's welcoming smile and gentle kindness especially at Christmas time. He is missed.
Love,
Val and Tim Tankard
Dan French
February 18, 2018
Kathleen, Connor and Family:
Happy memories in those stands at 3&2, our heart goes out to you all and pray Mike's legacy and love carries you through each day ahead!
God Bless!
Dan & Jacob
William Smith
February 17, 2018
It's been such a blessing for me to get to know my Hill cousins. So sorry they are experiencing another loss in their lives. My love and prayers to Kathleen and all the family.....
February 17, 2018
Mike, Your obituary, and that one word incredible says it all. Thank you so much for all that you are, all that you gave, and all the difference you made in so many people's lives. You have, and will continue to impact people's lives, as a pebble tossed into water, and the waves become non ending. May God Bless You, your family, and your many, many friends during this difficult time now, and in the future.
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Jackie Nowick Kamin
February 17, 2018
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for close to 60 years and sharing the planning of our 50 year reunion with him, He was a fine man and will long be remembered.
Larry Ruby
February 16, 2018
Thanks, Mike, for the gift of your life to your family, friends, and all those you cared for. Memories of you and Kathleen's generosity to Rockhurst lives in posterity. How I enjoyed the many conversations on "how to raise boys"! A life well lived is the greatest gift of all.
February 16, 2018
Mary and the Callahan Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Please know that you are all in our prayers.
Peggy and Jim VanDyke
February 16, 2018
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family. Kristi and John Kramer
February 16, 2018
The Neenan Family is so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a very special person. You are in our hearts and prayers as you walk through the days ahead. Keep his memories golden and next to your heart as you go.
Then Mike Neenan family.
February 16, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Callahan family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day. - Ps 145:18,19
February 16, 2018
Kathleen,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He was always such a pleasure to talk to; a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Blessings,
Kevin and Michelle Schlitzer
Fritz Ziegler
February 16, 2018
Went to high school with Mike he was always smiling. He was a tremendous competitor both on the football field and on the wrestling mat. He will be missed. Fritz Ziegler class of 1966.
Gary Christ
February 16, 2018
The world was a better place with Mike in it. A true gentleman and friend. He will be missed.
February 16, 2018
Mike and I did many things in High School.We played football, wrestled, and had wood shop. Mike and I borrowed his mother's car and went to CMSC and were awarded 2 scholarships. He has always been a friend. Love You Mike, Steve Barthol.
February 16, 2018
Dear Callahan Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy, I am sorry to read of the passing of your love one, who will be missed. Losing a love one in death is never easy. It's in times like these when the loving promises of our Heavenly Father can bring comfort. Knowing you will see your dear loved one again, can bring you comfort and may soften some of the pain that you are feeling deep within your heart, 1Thessalonians 4:13-14.
Nancy Cattell
February 15, 2018
I never met Mr. Callahan but worked with Polly and Greg and feel very close to both of them. They have been a point of sanity and kindness for 5 years and I pray that God surrounds them with comfort during this time of grieving. It is devastating to lose a father and he left a powerful legacy. Go in peace, Mr. Callahan and God be with you all.
February 15, 2018
I met Mike in Viet Nam, and I found him to be a great soldier, fine man and loyal friend. He insisted on using proper English, and frequently corrected my grammar usage-imagine that, someone correcting you grammar in Viet Nam!!!
He assisted many Veterans with their claims, loved his large family, and excelled with the woodwork craft. Until we meet again, God bless Mike and his family.
Rocky P
February 15, 2018
hey Mike
go the the first jagged rock and turn left. cannot miss it.
Mike Haire
February 15, 2018
I'm really saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We were classmates and teammates at St Peter's Grade School. We will remember Mike in our prayers.
Mike Haire
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12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145
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