George Callahan

George Marion Callahan, 81, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, died of natural causes at his home on December 21, 2023. Born on October 10, 1942, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, George lived and loved with great intensity. Ever the wild Irishman, he did not fear controversy or back down (easily) from a fight. George was a larger-than-life force with great curiosity, a sharp intellect, and a significant capacity to provoke or beguile. He was a voracious reader with an incredible depth and breadth of interests which he took great pleasure in sharing. He found joy and peace in nature, whether working on the Farm in Hot Springs, fishing on Lake Ouachita, or duck hunting in the Arkansas Delta. He shared his love of nature with his family and friends. He was also passionate about Notre Dame football, studying the stock market, and always getting the last word.
George is survived by his wife of 41 years, Janice Lee Callahan of Hot Springs, AR, his daughter, Shannon Dunn (Michael) Callahan of Chicago, IL, his sons, George Pierson (Nancy) Callahan IV of Little Rock, AR, and Paul Michael Callahan of Indianapolis, IN, and his daughter, Monica Leigh Callahan of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by his siblings: Claire Callahan (Thomas) Johannesen of Elgin, IL, and Thomas Patrick (Fran) Callahan of Houston, TX. George had five grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth Callahan, George Porter Callahan, Gabriel Marley Brown, Luke Henry Callahan, and Liam Connor Callahan. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, John Marion Callahan, his mother, Mary Horner Callahan, and his sister, Mary Michael Callahan.
George attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1960. He was a proud graduate of the University Notre Dame class of 1964 and the University of Texas Law School class of 1967 where he earned his Juris Doctor. George was a tenacious and irascible lawyer for more than 30 years. He thrived on the drama and intrigue of domestic law and was at his best taking command in the courtroom where he took great pride in out-thinking and out-maneuvering opposing counsel. He also served as the State Chair of the Arkansas Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
George worshiped his entire life at his family parish, St. John's Catholic Church, and strongly supported St. John's Catholic School. He greatly valued Catholic education and generously sponsored education opportunities for his family and the community.
His family invites you to join them in celebrating his incomparable life. A rosary prayer service will be held Friday, December 29 at 6:30 PM, and his funeral is the next morning Saturday, December 30 at 10:00 AM both at St. John's Catholic Church. He will be interred at Calvary Cemetery.
George's family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. John's Catholic School, or Ducks Unlimited. Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is assisting the family with the arrangements.