Irvin "Dean" Callahan

1945 - 2025

Irvin "Dean" Callahan, 79

Irvin "Dean" Callahan

November 10, 1945 – November 1, 2025

Irvin "Dean" Callahan, 79, of Royal City, Washington, passed away while on vacation in Butte, Montana on November 1, 2025.

Dean was born on November 10, 1945, in Ontario, Oregon, to Irvin and Onita (Despain) Callahan. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a passion for anything with horsepower. Dean managed to graduate from Moses Lake High School thanks to his girlfriend – later his wife – who took care of ALL of his homework. Dean then went on to build a life centered around family, faith, and a love for all things mechanical.

On February 3rd, 1965, Dean married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and best friend, Nancy Hempel, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they built a life rooted in dedication, laughter, and hard work.

With a $1,000 loan from a loan shark, Dean purchased equipment for his first business, Callahan Service, which then evolved into Callahan Manufacturing. Dean then ventured into multiple separate entities based on his love of agriculture and moving dirt that are now owned and operated by his children in Royal City. Dean poured his heart into everything he did. He took immense joy in collecting classic and muscle cars, and was happiest when pushing horsepower and surrounded by family and friends.

There was nothing that couldn't be fixed by Dean, and there was nothing that he couldn't build. Ever the innovator, the blueprints drawn on the shop floor with soapstone would evolve into inventions and contraptions that only he could create in his mind's eye. No machine that ever came into Dean's possession stayed stock – there was always something that needed to be improved. Dean's mission in life was to work hard and to serve others. There are countless stories of Dean stopping and helping strangers stranded on the road who left getting fixed up and having made a new friend. Dean left all edified and strengthened by conversations with him. Dean had a way to make everyone who knew him feel like his best friend. Dean loved hard, worked hard, and played harder.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children Richard (Bronwyn), Cindy (Rick) Carter, Kelly (Lorna), Amy (Paul) Davies, and Slag (Hilary); siblings Clea, Ann, Deanna, and Lowell; and 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his father, Irvin Callahan, and mother Onita Despain Callahan.

A man of integrity, grit, and deep family devotion, Dean will be remembered for his unshakable work ethic, serving anyone, and respecting every person alike.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 10:30 AM at Royal High School, 955 Ahlers Rd. There will be a viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.



IN HONOR OF DEAN, PLEASE BRING YOUR HOTRODS TO THE FUNERAL.