Thomas Gerald Callahan

Thomas Callahan, 88, of Albany, passed away in the comfort of his home, Sunday, June 13th, 2021 with his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley, and two daughters by his side.
Tom was born on August 28th, 1932 to Thomas and Mary Callahan in Pasadena, CA where he grew up. As a kid he had bike & paper route. He eventually motorized a bike, traded up to a motorcycle and enjoyed riding & racing motorcycles in his younger days.
Tom served in the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Manchester from 1951 to 1954. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Pasadena Junior College, where he played catcher for the baseball team and earned an A.A degree upon graduating. He worked many years as an auto mechanic.
In 1958 Tom met his future wife, Shirley Ann Whittle, and married in Feb. 1959 in Pasadena. The couple had a daughter & son while living in Glendora, CA. The family of 4 moved to Albany, OR in 1966 and had another daughter in August of 1969.
1969 also brought a career change that led Tom to the paper mill in Halsey, OR where he retired from 25yrs. later in 1995(then known as James River). Upon retirement, Tom & Shirley's goal was to motorhome through all our mainland states. Made it through 48(Alaska twice), plus a trip to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor & The National Cemetery.
Tom enjoyed camping the beautiful pacific northwest when the children were young, their pinochle club in the early years, Louis L'Amour books, his "get smart" game shows, following his favorite football teams on TV, weekly buddy breakfasts, poker night at RV functions, pitching horseshoes, birthdays & anniversaries at Spirit Mountain Casino to enjoy buffets & table games.
Tom was "Dad" to 3 children: KaCee Joiner(Randy Paasch), Mike Callahan(wife Stephanie), Kerri Callahan(Todd Lange); "Grampy" to Brianna(Zech), Shalaina(Kirk), Josh(Sadie) Coleton and Alena; "Great Grampy" to Grace, Uriah, CoBurn and Ellery.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Mary, sister Peggy Bent & her husband Don Bent. Tom ("Mick") is survived by his wife, Shirley, 3 children: KaCee, Mike & Kerri, 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 nieces, 2 nephews and close sister-in-law & brother-in-law Donna & John Banks.
On Saturday, August 7th, a brief graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:30pm at Willamette Memorial Park, 2640 Old Salem Rd, Albany. Followed by a Celebration of Life open house, with refreshments, at First Christian Church, 432 Ferry St, Albany, from 3-5pm.
Arrangements handled by Smart Cremations. www.smartcremation.com
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