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.
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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.
