Charles Callahan Obituary
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Charles P. Callahan passed away at home in Crosby, Texas with his daughter by his side. He was 78 years old.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Callahan; mother, Helen Wilson Callahan; his beloved wife, Eileen Martin Callahan; and daughter, Delia Charlene Burch.
Charles is survived by his sister, Kathrine Callahan Ross, his daughters: • Lynn Pierce • Helen Callahan • Laura Herrington • Jacquelin Lowry • Jodie Ryals
Also survived by his sons-in-law: Dale Pierce, Jerry Herrington, Jason Lowry, and Wesley Huebner.
He was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren: Linda Kay, Kelly, Shana, Curtis, Devan, Rebeccah, Ashley Kay, TJ, Brandon, Tommy, Jacob, Destyn, Preston, Hannah, Abigail, Trinity, Jasmine, Joseph, Payne, and Hailey. (None of which ever was able to catch his nose.) He also leaves behind 27 great-grandchildren and his two beloved dogs that never left his side- Bear and Coco.
A Life of Service and Strength
At just 19, Charles joined the U.S. Navy, serving honorably on Team 22 as an Underwater Demolition Diver. He later fought in the Vietnam War, and his commitment to duty and country remained a cornerstone of his life.
After his service, Charles wore many hats-store manager, long-haul truck driver, employee of the City of Columbia-and retired from Marion County, Mississippi, after an on-the-job injury. He was a tireless provider who took great pride in caring for his family.
Charles loved his home state of Mississippi, the simple beauty of country life, gardening, hunting, his dogs, music, and most of all-his family.
A Legacy of Love
Charles had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether you knew him for a moment or a lifetime, he loved deeply. Known for his wit, sarcasm, and brutal honesty, he left an unforgettable mark.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Charles moved to Texas to live with his daughter Jackie, he would live out his final years as a Texan and always enjoyed regular visits from his other daughters.
His daughter shares:
"It was an honor to care for the man who helped shape me into who I am today. It was tough-one of the hardest jobs I've ever had-but I'll forever cherish and be grateful for the time we shared."
Even in his final days, when words had nearly faded, a moment of clarity broke through. After several days of silence, a hospice nurse gently asked, "Is that your daughter?" Charles looked intently at his daughter and nodded yes.
The nurse continued, "What's her name?" Without an answer she asked, "Does Jackie sound right?" He looked at his daughter again and slowly shook his head no. After a long pause, Charles whispered, "Jacquelin."
Jackie laughed and said, "He hasn't called me that since I was a kid-and only when I was in trouble." But in that sacred moment, he knew she was there, and she knew he was too. It's a moment she will carry in her heart forever.
Faith in the Storm
"I am graven on the palms of His hands I am never out of His mind." - Isaiah 49:16
As Charles's memory faded, his family found peace in knowing that while he may have forgotten many things-God never forgot him.
A Final Reflection
"Do not ask me to remember, Don't try to make me understand, Let me rest and know you're with me, Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. I'm confused beyond your concept, I am sad and sick and lost. All I know is that I need you, To be with me at all cost. Do not lose your patience with me, Do not scold or curse or cry. I can't help the way I'm acting, Can't be different though I try. Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone, Please don't fail to stand beside me, Love me 'til my life is done."
Per Charles's wishes, no service will be held. His family invites you to honor him in your own way: Share a song Tell a story Show kindness to someone in need
To know Charles was to know love. His legacy lives on in every life he touched.
Jacquelin Callahan Lowry
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