Donald James Callahan was born on June 13, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away on October 8, 2025 at the age of 70 years.
Don was raised in Overland, Missouri and attended Ritenour High School.
He worked at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri for 45 years.
He was ordained as a deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Warrenton, Missouri, and later found spiritual community at 2Rivers Church in O’Fallon, Missouri.
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.
He loved supporting his grandchildren at their games, going on walks, picking up sticks, watching horse racing, watching basketball and football games and women’s softball, playing putt-putt golf and visiting and laughing together at family functions.
He was 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; and granddaughter, Summer Laiderman.
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; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville, Missouri
Visitation was also held from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Ron Cathcart officiating. Reading of the obituary was by Josh and Laura Scronce and memories were shared by Brian and Michelle Laiderman. Special music of “How Great Thou Art,” “Blessed Assurance” and “Thank You Jesus” was played.
Interment was immediately following in the Freeman Cemetery in Cherryville, Missouri.
Honored to be casket bearers were Pvt. Ryan Preis, Josh Scronce, Henry Laiderman, Brian Laiderman, Steven Wise, Dylan Preis and Roy Masters.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri.
