Jerry Burgess Callender

Jerry Burgess Callender, 84, of Arcadia, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 21, 1940, in Haynesville, Louisiana, Jerry was the son of the late Theodore and Mary Callender. He attended Haynesville High School, where he proudly played football for the Golden Tornadoes.
Jerry met the love of his life, Martha Campbell, in the first grade. The two have been together ever since, celebrating 63 wonderful years of marriage.
After graduating from Louisiana Tech University in 1963, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Jerry began his career with Louisiana Power and Light Company where his dedication and leadership earned him numerous awards and commendations.
In 1971, Jerry joined his father-in-law, Travis Campbell, at Bienville Motors-Your Friendly Ford Store in Arcadia. Over the next 44 years, until his retirement in 2015, Jerry became well known in the car business throughout north Louisiana and beyond for always putting the customer first. He was an outstanding salesman and businessman whose hard work and integrity earned him many honors. He was the six-time recipient of the President's Award, Ford Motor Company's highest dealer award. Jerry was active in the Arcadia Lions Club and a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Arcadia.
Jerry loved time spent golfing, hunting at Colvin Hunting Club with his grandsons John and Nick and traveling with Martha. Annual beach trips with his children and grandchildren will always be cherished memories. In his later years, he enjoyed tending his garden and relaxing on the back porch watching birds. He treasured holidays and family gatherings, especially when he could fry fish or share a good meal with those he loved.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family well.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Callender; daughters Susan Richardson and husband Mark, and Claire Carlisle and husband Kent; his five grandchildren who brought him endless joy, John Richardson (Sandra), Nick Richardson, Ben Carlisle (Lindsey), Clark Carlisle (Hailey), and Annie Robertson (Cameron); and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, T.C. Callender (Dianne), and many other dear family members and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ric Moore, Gale Clark, Cynthia Malone, Julie Pyles, and Tanesha Manuel, as well as Premier Hospice, especially Sonya Gray, and Magnolia Home Health for their compassionate care.
Pallbearers will be John Richardson, Nick Richardson, Ben Carlisle, Clark Carlisle, Cameron Robertson, and Jeff Callender.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Arcadia, Louisiana, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Doug de Graffenried. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service in the church parlor. Interment will be at Arcadia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Arcadia.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.