Donald James Callahan, a devoted man of faith, dedicated worker, and compassionate family leader, passed away in his home on October 8, after a life marked by integrity, generosity, and love for his family. Don was born on June 13, 1955, in St. Louis. Don was raised in Overland, Mo. and attended Ritenour High School. He proudly served for 45 years at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in St. Louis, where he was known for his strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail.
He was ordained as a deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Warrenton, and later found spiritual community at 2Rivers Church in O’Fallon. He was proud to attend 2Rivers where his church family faithfully prayed over him on Sundays after services during his health journey. His faith guided his life, and he quietly taught others how to give selflessly, expecting nothing in return. Don was always a man of his word.
In his free time, he enjoyed restoring his 1972 Ford Ranger with the help of one of his friends. Don took great pride in caring for his yard and his house. Organized and hardworking, he was not one to complain and always led by example.
Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved supporting his grandchildren at their games and being present in their lives; going on walks, picking up sticks, watching horse racing, watching basketball and football games and women’s softball together, playing putt-putt golf, playing at his house, visiting and laughing together at family functions, the list could continue. He was also a very supportive father who was always present throughout his daughter’s lives; from attending all their activities growing up to going and doing whatever they would ask for.
Don lived by the following:
I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.
I asked for prosperity and God gave me brawn and brains to work.
I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.
I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help.
I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted and I received everything I needed.
My prayers have all been answered.
He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Brian) Laiderman and Melissa (Dan) Wolff; sister-in-law, Carol Callahan; brother-in-law, Roy (Sharon) Masters; grandchildren, Pvt Ryan (Skyler) Preis USMC, Dylan Preis, Henry Cruz Laiderman; He is preceded in death by his father, Versel James Callahan, mother, Daphna Pauline (Howdeshell) Callahan, brother, Versel Ray Callahan, sisters, Kathleen Faye Masters and Brenda Kaye Callahan, granddaughter, Summer Laiderman.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. An additional visitation will be Friday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 18, an additional service will be at Britton Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, with burial to follow at Freeman Cemetery in Cherryville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: 2Rivers Church.
