David "Ed" Edward Kallner

David Edward "Ed" Kallner, 77, of Jackson, OH passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The eldest son of the late Charles and Ruth "Sue" (Melvin) Kallner, Ed grew up in rural Minford, OH alongside his siblings.

Preceding Ed in death is his youngest sister, Carole Kallner. Surviving are his brothers, Charles "Mel" Kallner, Forrest (Heather) Kallner, and Robert Kallner; along with sister, Betty (Keith) Hoops. Through his role as eldest child on the family farm, Ed was instilled with a deep connection to the land and a strong desire to serve his family through his faith and service.

Ed was a farmer through the entirety of his life from aiding his father with the family dairy, to running his own small beef cattle farm through the later years of his life with his own family. Cattle always held a special place in Ed's heart as he fostered an environment for his children and grandchildren to grow up within the 4-H community. Ed was the President of his FFA chapter while attending Jackson High School and encouraged his family to uphold the values taught by both programs daily.

A proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ed served his country honorably through the Vietnam era with additional acts of service including a tour of duty in Cuba, along with becoming a ceremonial guard at the White House in Washington, DC. His commitment to duty shone through in Ed's everyday life. He lived by the saying "to be early is to be on time" and this knowledge engrained itself into his own family. If Ed had to be somewhere, he would be there no less than 30 minutes early.

Following his service, Ed found focus not only in farming and raising his family, but in basketball. "Coach Kallner" was a dedicated and influential member of the community for many years as he took countless athletes under his wing to train as they grew to their potential. Working with middle school, high school, and AAU programs through the years, Ed coached generations of young people, including all of his children and other family members, focusing in growth of not only skill, but in character, discipline, and heart.

Above all, Ed was a man of deep and abiding faith. For more than 40 years, he was a born-again Christian, who took great pride in serving his Lord. Over the years he supported, pastored, and preached at a multitude of churches, sharing his faith and guiding others with conviction and compassion.

Ed was a devoted father to his three children, whom he leaves behind. Sons John Kallner of Jackson, OH, James (Amber) Kallner of Piketon, OH, and daughter, Betty (James) Gifford of Walker, WV. Along with being a father, Ed was a remarkable grandfather. Nothing put more joy in Ed's heart, or on his face with his famous huge smile and loud laugh, than spending time with his grandbabies. Ed leaves behind grandchildren: Kayla (Derek) Slusher, Alexandria (John) Starr, Ethan (Kerra) Kallner, Erik Kallner, Joseph Kallner, Carly Gifford, and Thomas David Gifford. Ed also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Kalina Waugh, Braedon Slusher, Haelynn Slusher, Gracelyn Moore, Gabriel Moore, Isaiah Starr, Kynzlie Kallner, Karter Kallner, and Krue Kallner.

Ed will be greatly missed by many and remembered for years to come for his strength, faith, determination, and dedication and for the countless lives he touched through the years. Along with siblings, children, and grandchildren, Ed also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ed had an infectious laugh and a bright spirit, occasionally an ornery streak, all of which he passed to his children, and they passed to their own. Ed's legacy will endure in the lives, stories, and laughter of those who knew him and can tell of the wonderful man he was.

Visitation will be held on Thursday April 2, 2026, from 10-2 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Oak Hill, OH with funeral services following immediately after at 2:00. Burial will be at the Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for donations to go toward a cause related to one Ed's passions mentioned above. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.