Murray Callahan

Murray Callahan; our Dad, Popo to his grandchildren, and "Mr. Murray" to countless employees and customers, passed away on March 25, 2023.

Murray was born on the banks of Walnut Creek on Sept 11, 1929. In his early years, Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing fastpitch softball with area teams. In 1950 he married and over the next 16 years, he became a father 11 times. The memories for such a large household are numerous, but we all cherish being driven around in the family station wagon, carpooling with area families, and piling in for road trips.

For 40-plus years Dad worked endless hours at Capitol Feed & Milling and later Callahan's General Store servicing customers in the agriculture community. With his numerous family members, they built an iconic piece of Austin history that continues to operate under the Callahan family name.

Through his friendliness or a gimme Capitol Feed cap, Dad made relationships in Alaska, England, and Australia, just to name a few. A picture of Dad feeding his cattle has been featured in Texas history books and even a Chevrolet Super Bowl ad. He could also be seen sitting in the front row at the Austin Youth Sale at the Travis County Rodeo, manning the phones at the Jerry Lewis MD fundraiser, or participating as a founding member of the St. Ignatius men's group.

Dad instilled in all of us the ability to connect, communicate, work hard, and show compassion for those around us. These are values we will always hold dear and instill in generations to come. He leaves behind a multitude of family and associates who have many fond memories of him, but in the end, they will all miss their dear father, grandfather, and friend.

Murray is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lucy Callahan; his wives Jean Taylor, Shirley Flores, and Mary Hamons; his children, Sherri Camp, Brenda Camp, and Gerald Camp; his brother Pat Callahan and sisters Dolores Viktorin, Leona Wilson and Alethea McNair.

Murray is survived by his children Michael Callahan (Denise), Rhonda McBride (Jay), Marla Dial (David), Linda Callahan, Darrell Camp, Ken Callahan (Melanie), Richard Callahan (Kimberly), and Leslie Callahan (Deborah). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Verlin Callahan (Jonell), Jimmy Callahan (Fran), sister Leora McCarthy, sisters-in-law Paula Kay Callahan, Barbara Gilliam, and Pat Taylor, brother-in-law Virgil Wilson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are grandsons Chris Callahan, Robert Dial, Ryan Callahan, John Callahan, Ben Callahan, and great-grandson Tristan King.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MD Foundation or the Rockne Historical Association.

The family extends a special thanks to John Redford, Kathy Garza, and the rest of the wonderful staff at Village on the Park at Onion Creek. Additional thanks to Altus Hospice and Onion Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care.

On Dad's final journey, we pray for fields of fresh-cut hay, his beloved cows, the smell of fresh breeder cubes, a few squirrels to hunt, or sighting of that final whitetail buck as he walks through the gates of heaven. Rest in peace, Dad.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in the Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, Austin. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 5th at Assumption Cemetery.