Robert Thomas Callahan

Robert Thomas Callahan

Robert Callahan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 27 to Sep. 29, 2006.

GREENSBORO - We are proud to honor our loved one, U.S. Army Specialist Robert Thomas (Bobby) Callahan, 22, of the Fourth Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division who was killed Tuesday, September 19, 2006, in a vehicle accident while on patrol in the Baghdad region of Iraq. He had been in Iraq for about a month and was starting his second tour of duty there.

Bobby will be buried with full military honors at 11 a.m. Friday, September 29, in Forest Lawn Cemetery (Guilford Battleground Park) in Greensboro.

Bobby was born in Greensboro, on March 27, 1984, to David and Robin Callahan. He attended Southwest High School in Guilford County and entered the U.S. Army after graduation at the age of 18 when he decided it was time for a change in his life. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. Bobby fell in love and married Kristen Waltos on January 6th of this year. Kristen is from Syracuse, N.Y. The two lived in Central Square, N.Y. near the base.

Bobby's family spoke of how the Army had transformed him into a responsible, caring, loving young man who knew what he wanted out of life and went after it. They respected and honored his wishes to join the military, and he was very proud to serve his country. The first time Bobby served in Iraq, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal of Valor for saving another soldier's life while under enemy mortar fire. He often spoke of how much he and his unit enjoyed interacting with the children in Iraq and how much the people there appreciated their dedication.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Kristen Callahan; his father, David Callahan; his mother, Robin Minor and stepfather, Ben Minor; a sister, Sarah Callahan; a brother, Sean Callahan; a stepbrother, Ben Minor; paternal grandmother, Pat Callahan Brody, and many aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom were so proud of him.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas Callahan; and his maternal grandparents, C.T. and Patsy Borneman.

Because of Bobby's love for children, the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, N.C. 27317; to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 419 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103; or to the American Red Cross, 1501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro, NC 27405.

Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Funeral Home, 6000 High Point Road is handling the arrangements.

Offer condolences at www. news-record.com/nr/obits/

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October 27, 2006

Debbie Pace posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2006

Chaplain Scott Fluegel posted to the memorial.

October 20, 2006

Lauren Bogan posted to the memorial.

Debbie Pace

October 27, 2006

Dear Robin, Sarah & family,

We had sent a symphathy card but the address was incorrect and we wanted you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. I still can't believe I'm sending this note under such sad circumstances. I know you are all devastated. Please accept our deepest symphathy. From all that we read, it sounded that Bobby had really turned his life around and that you couldn't have been more proud. You have raised some amazing children.

We love you and know that you will find peace in Christ,

Debbie, Howard & Erin Pace

Chaplain Scott Fluegel

October 24, 2006

I was your son's Chaplain in 4-31 Infantry, deployed in Iraq. I remember that he was always glad to see me and I was so glad to see him. He always had a smile for me. He was even involved in rolling me up.

Lauren Bogan

October 20, 2006

Robin and Family,
I am Jessica Spencers mom and I have so many fond memories of Bobby and Mike and Jessica hanging out at my house, being the teenagers that they were. Then there are the memories of seeing Bobby each time he came home and watching him grow into a wonderful man. There are no words to describe the loss of a child. I burried mine 18 years ago and there is no greater feeling of loss and devestation. Only time and faith will get you through all of this. Bobby is a wonderful person with the greatest smile I have ever seen. He has inspired so many young people that look up to him and want to be just like him, my son Nick is one of them. You have a wonderful family and my prayers are with you every day! God will give you the strength to get trough this. May God bless you and your family forever.

Linda

October 10, 2006

Your family continues to be in my daily thoughts and prayers. May God be with you each day to comfort you as you grieve the loss of your beloved son/husband Bobby.

Please remember that you have the prayers and condolences of many military families, Veterans and civilians across the nation.



Army Mom
(Of a Soldier deployed back to Iraq this week)

Sherry Stookey

October 9, 2006

Dear Robin, Sarah and Family,

We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Bobbie's death. Even though it has been years since our involvement in Girl Scouts, our sympathy for you all in this difficult time and the times ahead is no less than sincere. We pray that the peace that only God can offer is yours today and always.

Sherry, Lew and Adrienne Stookey

Debra Hedrick

October 9, 2006

Robin and family-

We just found out from Ali about your son. We are so saddened by your loss. May God surround you with his love and tenderness at this time. We will lift you and your family up in our prayers. We are sorry that your son paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Love and prayers -

Benny & Debra Hedrick

Ron Shouse

October 9, 2006

Words are never enough at this time. I know the feeling of loss of a fellow warrior. I am a Viet Nam Vet and have suffered your pain many times through my memories. May God Bless

Sarah Cottrell

October 2, 2006

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I remember when he was just a little boy hanging out with his dad. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Tyler Howell

October 2, 2006

The Callahan's,

I will never forget the days after school with you guys. The days where nothing mattered. I love all of you guys for that. I am deeply sorry. Bobby will only continue to be someone I look up to. God bless you guys...

Joanne Vitelli

October 1, 2006

David & Robin,

My name is Joanne Vitelli. My son Matthew was in the same grade with Bobby. Matthew called Bobby one of his friends. It was a sad phone call from Matt when he told me what had happened to Bobby. (Matt is a senior at Western Carolina University. Many of his friend there were Bobby's friend too.) He had me get out his year books from different grades and find his picture.

Matthew had to remind me of all the field trips you & I went on with Bobby & Matt. As I think back I do remember doing these trips with you and I do remember Bobby's sweet smile.

As a Mother I can't imagine what you are going through now. We must have faith and trust that there is a reason for his life being so short. I know you all are very proud of what Bobby had done with his life. Not every parent can say that.

I just want you to know we too are proud of what he was doing for all of us and the good people of Iraq.

God bless you all.

Sincerely, Joanne & Matthew Vitelli

Tracey Booker

October 1, 2006

Robin,
It has been many many years. This is Tracey, Fred Umberger's sister. I have been thinking about you ever since I heard about your son. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My memories of you are very fond and I just wanted to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Look to God for your strength in this time and you will come through. I thank God everyday for men and women like your son who give us the freedom that we all take advantage of in this country. May you find comfort in your heart that your son died for things most people will never understand.
May God bless and keep you in his heart.
Love Always,
Tracey

Lynn Swofford

September 30, 2006

Robin & Family,
You are in our prayers, I just found out about Bobby today, I can not begin to understand your sorrow, Please know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Richard Wilkinson

September 30, 2006

Dave,
I have been working so much that I didn't hear about it until last night at Lefty's. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you must be proud of your son. As a veteran and an American, I too am proud of him and salute him. I'm sorry I didn't make the wake or the funeral to pay my respects. My thoughts are with you buddy.

Pumpkin

Ron Herndon

September 29, 2006

In Memory of Robert to the parents: David and Robin

The Flower from Our Garden

He came from the Earth
And we shall never forget his birth
A beautiful flower that brought us much joy
He was our first baby boy
We nurtured this young and innocent flower
And watched him grow hour after hour
So quickly he grew to be a man
Sometimes his actions weren't always in our plans
At times we watched as if we were blind
Waiting for our son to once again shine
Testing and weathering many a storm
He brought it all back our hearts he did warm
He stood tall and he stood brave
Guarding the Freedom we all crave
Shine bright youthful flower
This is your time this is your hour
He carried much pride in those youthful eyes
It's such a shame when something of beauty dies
He possessed a code all his own
Now, God has called this brave flower home
He showed us his meddle, he showed us his worth
We now give him back to our Mother Earth
Sleep with peace, sleep with pride
Your Love for Life will forever be our guide

May God, Family, and Friends be with you in this unfortunate time. No words can ever express what Robert gave of himself.

stephen bernard

September 29, 2006

May God look down upon you and bless all of the Callahan family. Your Son/Husband Bobby is a hero and he gave all you can possibly give for your Country. Thank you for the ultimate sacrafice. I am a Vietnam vet and i am involved with many Veterans in the area. Please if there is anything any of us can do, please contact me at "[email protected]" Once again, may God bless you and your Family. Thank you Robert for fighting to keep our Country safe.

Maurice Poole

September 29, 2006

Cherri and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know him but honor and respect the fact that he served this country. May God Bless You and Your Family.

September 29, 2006

Ronnie, Dale, Kayla, & Justin Collins
God Bless You

Lisa & Todd Amos

September 29, 2006

We did not know your son, but we want you to know that we appreciate all that he did for our country. My husband is a veteran of the Air Force and we are just so proud of everything your son did. We hope that God will sustain you and give you comfort in the days ahead.

Darlene Stanley

September 29, 2006

To Robin and husband, Sarah,Shawn and David:

Megan and I love you all so much and have the biggest bestest memories of you kids growing up together. What a handsome brave man we are so proud to have known.
Our hearts are close to you and hold you all as we go through this together.
All our love and prayers to Bob's wife and you our wonderful friends,
Darlene STanley and Megan Stanley-Lewis

Lynne and Mike Nunn

September 29, 2006

Dave Callahan and family.
We are saddened by the loss of your son, Bobby. We appreciate him as a young gentleman serving our country and being a true hero. Keep your special memories close to your heart always as he was a treasure. You are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time.

Linda Embry

September 29, 2006

Words cannot express the sadness I feel in my heart for your loss.

Although we have never met, please know that I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Robert Thomas "Bobby" gave the ultimate price as a soldier, and is a true hero worthy of the respect and honor of every American in this country.

Heartfelt Condolences,
Army Mom

gene & elaine riley

September 29, 2006

dave and robin,
elaine and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family over the lose of bobby. we know how extremely proud you must be of him. sincerly, gene & elaine

Betty Umberger

September 29, 2006

Robin,David,&Children,
Sending my deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one. May God be with you to relieve you in your bereavement.

LINDA WEBSTER

September 29, 2006

I ALSO DON'T KNOW YOUR SON.BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL IN THIS TIME OF SORROW,ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU,TO YOUR SON AND ALL THE BRAVE SOLIDERS THAT FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM'S.THANK YOU AGAIN.

Carolyn & John Kasarda

September 29, 2006

May God Bless all of you and give you comfort, knowing that your son is a hero and that we appreciate his service to our country. Our son is in the Army and was in Baghdad for 16 months with the 1st Armored Division.
With sincere Sympathy,
Carolyn & John Kasarda

Linda Forrest

September 29, 2006

Dave Callahan
My heart goes out to you and your family. Ther is no bond as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you and your family as you grieve.
May God bless and care for you in the days ahead.

My prays are with you
Linda Shelton Forrest (Servisco)

Tyler Forrest

September 28, 2006

Hello Callahan family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen Bobby in forever it seems. Last I remember, we were all just kids kicking a soccer ball around a feild and going to Virginia Beach just having fun. I had no idea Bobby had come so far, done so much in so little of time. I wish I could tell him "thank you" for his bravery and devotion to protect us all. You are all in my prayers, God Bless.

Fred Umberger

September 28, 2006

Dear Robin and David, Please accept my deepest sympathy and sorrow for your loss. You must be very proud of Bobby and his accomplishments. May God bless you both and your families.

Marlene Patterson

September 28, 2006

Your son was an extra special young man and hero. I can't imagine all he endured while serving his country and doing it with a smile. The news articles about him have deeply touched my heart. May God bless you all and may you find comfort in all that your son did and for the man he became.

Katie Atkinson

September 28, 2006

Though I only knew Bobby for a short year, he became one of my greatest friends... He was truly a wonderful person with an enormous heart. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

Green Valley Ob/Gyn

September 28, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sandy & Clint Dunning

September 28, 2006

Dave & Robin, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our Prayers.
We lost a Daughter in 2004, and we
feel your pain. My God be with you
and your family.

Phil Valla

September 28, 2006

Robin, Big Ben, Little Ben & Family, I found out yesterday of your loss and want you to know that you have my sincere condolences. I never met Bobby but I have a great appreciation for the sacrifice that he made for our country. May God bless you during this difficult time.

gary church

September 27, 2006

I am proud of your son.He has given the ulitmate price for our country and I can't find words to describe hqw I feel about him.

Gary Church

Ray and MaryEllen Colameta

September 27, 2006

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Nick Abernathy

September 27, 2006

We are so very sorry for your loss. We lift up the family in prayer. Praying that the grief will be less as time goes by and that the joy filled and happy memories will endure and bring peace and comfort.

Sending lotza love from Lowell.
May God watch over and comfort each of you untill we meet again.

Dorothy Byerly

September 27, 2006

I am deeply saddened by the death of your son, but I greatly appreciate what he did for our country and thank you for rearing a son that was willing to serve his country in Iraq. May the hand of God touch and comfort Bobby's entire family. I don't know any of you, but wanted to express my symphathy.

Chris K

September 27, 2006

I didn't know your son, but I would like to say "thank you". Your son paid the ultimate price for his country and I can't imagine the pain & grief you are suffering at his loss. May God & time heal your hearts and may his memory always burn bright in the minds of his loved ones.

JOHN SMITH

September 27, 2006

I LOVE YOU (BOBBY)
YOU ARE A (MAN)

JOHN SMITH

Andrea and SPC Brandon Guidry

September 27, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. My fiance called me from Iraq and told me that Bobby had passed away. I feel so terrible. I only met your son twice and he seemed like such a nice young man who really loved to smile and laugh. He seemed so in love with his wife. My fiance would often come home and tell me goofy stories about work and he spoke of your son alot. I am so sorry for your loss and I feel terrible. You are all in my thoughts a paryers

Andrea and SPC Brandon Guidry

September 27, 2006

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My fiance called me from Iraq and told me that Bobby had passed away. I only met your son twice but he seemed like a really nice caring young man that really enjoyed to laugh and smile. My fiance was always coming home and telling me goofy stories about work and he often talked about your son. He seemed like he was very much in love with his wife and I just feel so terrible that he is gone.

Ronnie & Laura Rogers

September 27, 2006

Our hearts go out to each of you at this time of extreme sadness. We know that you have got to be mighty proud of your most special family member, Bobby. May the good Lord and the passing of time help to ease the pain of your broken hearts.

With heartfelt sympathy & love,

Mickie Ring - WRE/ColorTech

September 27, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. Bobby apparently was a very thoughtful young man. May God bless you during this extremely difficult time.

Don Hutson

September 27, 2006

Thank you for your service to our country. You have made the ultimate sacrifice and your country is proud of you. I have comfort in my heart knowing that you are now with other fallen comrades in a better place of honor and that your memory will not be forgotten. I salute you trooper. Rest in peace. May God give comfort to your family.

CWOII Don Hutson (ret)
1st Air Cav Division - RVN

Ashley King

September 27, 2006

I'm so sorry about what has happened. Bobby was a great person, he overcame so much and became an amazing person. I have so much love and respect for the things he has done with the Army.
My prayers will go out to you Robin, Sarah, and Sean and the entire family.

Kathleen Wiglesworth Perdue

September 27, 2006

God Bless this family.
Bobby obviousely was a fine young man and we are very grateful for his sacrifice. My brother was killed in Vietnam and I share your pain. My prayers are with you all.

dana blankenship

September 27, 2006

What a beautiful memorial for a son and husband who is so obviously loved. May God and the prayers of friends and family bring you comfort in the days to come.Your son's bravery will never be forgotten and he should be honored by all Americans. Sincerely-Dana Blankenship and family

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October 27, 2006

Debbie Pace posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2006

Chaplain Scott Fluegel posted to the memorial.

October 20, 2006

Lauren Bogan posted to the memorial.