Ronald L. Callahan

Uncle Ron was a fun loving, ornery guy that loved to tease his many nieces. He would go fishing at the Cottonwood River with Steve, a best friend. They would bring home a stringer full of catfish. They would chase us girls with the fish, then the guts as they cleaned them. Then if we were not grossed out enough, Ron would tell us Steve was cleaning the eyeballs in his mouth. They would laugh so hard at us squealing, running girls. It happened every time they fished. Ron enjoyed playing the horn, any kind of horn, a trumpet, French horn, trombone, it did not matter, he was great at it. He belonged to a band with his older brother, Dean. They would set up the drums for Dean and then get started playing all the rock and roll favorites of the time. Our entire family would start doing the jitterbug, shimmy, and just about any other dance of the times. Ron would get to waving that horn around and blasting out the tunes. I am amazed the neighbors didn't complain. I loved watching him with his horn.

Ronald L. Callahan, 74, formerly of Rapid City, SD, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Newman Regional Health Hospital in Emporia, Kansas.

Ron was born on November 15, 1946 to Forest E. and Ada Muriel Callahan, in Emporia, Kansas. He attended Emporia Senior High. He was a member of the marching band, in which he played the trumpet. He graduated in 1964. After graduation, Ron enlisted in the US Navy to serve his country from 1964 to 1970. During this time, he learned the skill of an Aviation and Diesel Mechanic. He served on 2 aircraft carriers, The USS RANGER and The USS HANCOCK. Ronald also served on 2 anti-sub marine helicopters, HELANTISUBRON 6 and HELANTISUBRON 8.  Mr. Callahan proudly fought for his country during the Vietnam conflict for which he received several commendations.

During his lifetime Ron worked as a diesel mechanic, drove a truck, managed a Kenworth trucking facility, and became a tax preparer after his retirement. Ron had numerous hobbies. He most enjoyed playing golf, riding Harleys, shooting targets, and watching football, especially The Dallas Cowboys.  Ronald was an avid animal lover. He would adopt animals from shelters, but cats were his favorite.  He spent many hours donating his time at an animal sanctuary in South Dakota, where he especially took pride in helping take care of 2 bear cubs.

Ronald is survived by a son, James D. (Joannie) Callahan of Angola, IN., and a daughter, Jessamy Unrein (Brandon Dunn) of Colorado. He is also survived by brothers, Forrest A. (Janet) Callahan of Oconomowoc, WI, and Frank E. (Audrey) Callahan, Jr. of Tiffin, OH, 6 grandsons, one great-grandson and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Willard Callahan, Darrell Germond, Gilford Henderson, sisters, Elaine Callahan, Darlene Germond-Willett, Gwendolyn Henderson-Watkins, and Leah L. Henderson-Crawford.