Michael Brian Callahan

Aug. 10, 1948 - Nov. 6, 2008

Published/Last Modified on Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 - 11:30:42 pm MST

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The family of Michael Callahan is saddened by the death of their beloved husband and father, Mike, of Sierra Vista, Ariz. He passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, surrounded by his adoring wife and children.

Mike is the fourth of six children born to Wanda Ure and George C. Callahan. Born Aug. 10, 1948, in La Mesa, Calif., Mike grew up in a rambunctious but loving family. He is known for his quirky sense of humor, his honesty and integrity, his work ethic, his patriotism, his fierce loyalty, and his unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ that was as big as his heart and height.

Mike loved to learn and valued education. He received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Boston University. It was during his years at BYU that he met and married his wife of 37 years, Deena K. Walton.

If a life can have a theme, Mike’s was service and love. Mike gave himself in service to his God, fellow man and country. He volunteered more than two years of his early adulthood to go on a mission to preach in Central America. He selflessly spent countless hours administering in different positions in his church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and other community volunteer capacities. Mike also willingly served 20 years as an U.S. Army officer. After retiring from the Army, Mike continued his military ties by working at TRW/Northrup Grumman for 15 years.

Mike was a big man with a heart and capacity to love that was even bigger. He was a gentle giant who touched the life of everyone with whom he came in contact.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, George Jr.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Deena; son, Jared and his wife, Amy of Eagle Mountain, Utah; daughters, Kelli, Erin, and Jessica of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; his sister-in-law, Sherry of Middleton, Idaho; brother, Richard and his wife, Patricia of Santa Clara, Utah; brother, Robert and his wife, Debbrah of Idaho City, Idaho; brother, Patrick and his wife, Anne of Escondido, Calif.; sister, Dianne Walker and her husband, Fred of Santa Clara, Utah; six (almost seven) grandchildren: Hosanna, Joshua, Keely, Samuel, Jacob, Amelia (and baby-to-come); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2100 Yaqui St., in Sierra Vista. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m., and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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Gentry Trey Cole Camden wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:21 PM:

" We were all very saddened to hear about the death of Uncle Mike. He was always a great example of a true diciple of Christ. Please know that we all love you so much and your family is constantly in our prayers. "

JD Moss wrote on Nov 12, 2008 7:59 PM:

" Mike was truly a gentle giant and one of the most caring men I have ever known. I have worked with Mike for all his years at TRW/NG say with all my heart that he will be missed and remembered. Your family is my thoughts and prayers.
It was an honor to know and share my dark choclate! "

Deepest Sympathy from Former Resident wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:03 AM:

" I remember MAJ Callahan when I first worked in Accounting some 25 years or so ago. He was a man to be looked up to, not because of his height, but because of the way he cared for the employees in F&AO and treated everyone fairly and decently. I wish there were more honorable men like him to set an example, not just in his professional life, but setting a fine example of taking care of your loved ones. God Bless him and his family; you were all blessed to have him. "

Doug Jeannine WrightDouglas Ward wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:10 PM:

" We've had several stake presidents through the years, but one of the most special we will always remember is President Callahan. There was never a more gentle, compassionate man whose stalwart testimony of the Savior and His gospel touched our lives in more ways than he will ever know. We will surely miss him!! How thankful we are to know that he is diligently working on the other side to pave the way for the Savior's coming. Our love and prayers be with your family at this time. "

Van and Gina Coleman wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:21 PM:

" Dear Deena; So very sad to hear the news. He was always like an older brother in the priesthood while we were stationed there. I loved him as a stake president. Wish we could be there. We miss you all.
Love and condolences,
Van and Gina Coleman and kids "

Bill Halford wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:41 AM:

" As we go through the next few days, weeks and months remembering Mike, we will hear many stories of his kindness and love for everyone he met. I first met Mike in 1993 when I moved into his Ward (Sierra Vista 4th Ward). I knew him as the Stake President and as a friend. Mike and I served together as Home Teaching companions for over 5 years and we fast became friends. Whenever we met for our assignments, we would always discuss our families in depth. I will miss him until I see him again. "

Rebekah Callahan wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:19 AM:

" We love Uncle Mike deerly and send our sympathies to Deena, Jared, Amy, Erin, Kelli and Jessica and his sweet grandchildren. He will be missed but continued to be loved forever. "

Autumn Callahan-Washington wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:34 PM:

" Uncle Mike will be missed deeply... It's so nice to know that we have been given the gospel that we will all once again be a family in Heaven..... Love and miss you... till we meet again!!! "

Gina Marie Coleman Wheeler wrote on Nov 9, 2008 1:29 PM:

" Wanted to send my love and prayers to the Callahan family. I am sorry for your loss and will always remember President Callahan with fondness and love. "