Clifford Frederick Callahan

1928 - 2021

Clifford Frederick Callahan

Clifford "Cliff" Frederick Callahan was born August 18, 1928 in Sugelia, OK (pronounced Si GEAL YEH), near Claremore, OK, to Clifford Harrison Callahan and Ethel Merial Upton Callahan.

Cliff attended Rogers High School in Tulsa and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Cliff is survived by his wife of twenty-three years of the home in Tulsa; Cliff's son, Micheal Callahan; and daughter, Maureen Bishop. He was predeceased by his son, Gary Callahan; and his brother, Billy Ray Callahan; and his parents.

Cliff served as President of the Widowed Persons Association for about a decade after his wife, Emma Lou Callahan passed away in 1983. While attending a national Widowed Person's workshop, he developed a passion for passing hugs to everyone he met. He often offered a hug versus a handshake, as he recognized the significance of a kind embrace, especially to those living alone. In fact, when Cliff and Sue met in the Tulsa chapter of Widowed Person's Association and began to date, Sue wanted to introduce him to family. Immediately, Sue's daughter, Glenda Suchy, recognized Cliff as the special friend of a business colleague that she had hugged for ten years!

Cliff and Sue were married on December 7, 1997 surrounded by their children and grandchildren. During their 23 years, numerous great grandchildren were added to their families. Cliff said he lived to love Sue!

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Cliff and Sue were very active in the community. COVID restricted their social life immensely, and Cliff's opportunity to share hugs!

They are members of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church and were known for attending every Sunday and sitting on the front row to hear and see every detail of the service.

Cliff and Sue loved games! Cliff worked a crossword puzzle every morning, even when it required special glasses and two magnifying aids to see.

They shared being active members of the American Contract Bridge League as Regional Masters. They played and taught bridge as often as possible.

When COVID closed the door of the Tulsa Bridge Studio, they turned their passion for games to nightly advanced scrabble games.

Cliff and Sue spent their last Sunday together on Easter Sunday worshipping with the Kirk's virtual worship service, participating in communion, followed by a lunch with 15 family members and an Easter Egg Hunt with seven of the great grandchildren.

Viewing will be 12Noon-8PM, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, with family greeting friends from 5-7PM, both at Moore's Southlawn, Tulsa, OK. Memorial service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, OK. Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to The Kirk, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233. Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com