Thomas C. Callahan

SERVICES:  SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 20092:30 P. M. @ MCCLAIN-HAYS CHAPELVISITATION:  SAT., DECEMBER 26, 20093:00 - 6:00 P. M. INTERMENT:  OCOBLA CEMETERYOFFICIATING:  REV. LAVELLE WOODRICK Mr. Thomas C. Callahan, 91, of Philadelphia, died Monday, December 21, 2009 at the residence of his daughter, following a brief illness.  He died in the faith, surrounded by the members of a large and loving family.  He leaves a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and his passing robs the Philadelphia Tornadoes of their most avid fan. He was born on July 14, 1918 in Beaumont, Mississippi.  Except for the absences dictated by a twenty- year military career, he lived his entire life in Philadelphia, and was proud to have called it home.  He served his country with distinction, first as a member of the U. S. Army in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II, and then subsequently with the Mississippi National Guard, before finally retiring as a member of the United States Air Force (Korean Action) in 1966, whereupon he established his residence in Philadelphia and made it his final home, while pledging his loyalty as a faithful and enthusiastic member of the Ocobla Baptist Church. The fifth of six children born to C. N. and Fannie Lewis Callahan, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife Edna Callahan; son, Jim Callahan; brother, Wendell Callahan; sisters, Margurite Boswell, Lucille Hussey and Florence Smith.     Survivors include daughters, Kathy Curtis and husband, Andy of Richmond, TX, Gina Joseph of Richmond, TX, and Felecia Walley and husband, Rick of Philadelphia; sons, Wayne Callahan and wife, Rose of Philadelphia, and Tommy Callahan of Philadelphia; and sister, Katherine Chapman of Louisville.  Known by many as Pa Tom, he also leaves 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families, and a host of treasured friends to whom he was trustworthy, loyal, and steadfast. Tom believed in hard work, modesty, and the great American virtues.  For many years, he produced a garden that was the object of envy and the admiration of the surrounding countryside.  He was a quiet patriot, and welcomed visitors into his home with that traditional Southern hospitality which has given the region its reputation before the world. Mr. Callahan's life-long love of sports it too well-known to admit mention here, and his devotion extended to all the Philadelphia High School teams, the Ole Miss Rebels, and the New Orleans Saints (before that affiliation became fashionable).Pallbearers are Joshua Callahan, Justin Walley, Colt Callahan, Corby Callahan, Daniel Curtis, and Thomas Joseph.  Honorary pallbearers are walking and coffee drinking buddies. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the PHS Booster Club or American Cancer Society.