James Edward Callan

James Edward Callan, 91, of Monett, MO, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 26, 2021 while at his home.

James was born on November 9, 1929 in Monett, son of the late John Edward Callan and Adeline Ann (Debross) Callan. James’ grandparents came to this country from Ireland. He was proud of his Irish heritage. He graduated from Monett High School with the class of 1947 and then furthered his education at the Monett Junior College. He enlisted in the United States Army after graduating high school and served his country honorably from 1947-1949, where he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan following World War II. He was a lifelong member of the New Liberty Methodist Church, a Board member of the Kings Prairie Cemetery Association and was a self-taught guitarist, violinist, pianist, HAM radio operator and amateur T.V. operator. James was also a pilot, logging countless hours in his J3 Cub airplane. He was a general mechanic that could fix just about anything.

James retired in 1980 from the Frisco Railroad where he worked as a Conductor and Brakeman. After retirement, he drove a school bus for Oakview State School.
On August 18, 1950, James married Wilma Louise Drake. To this union, two sons were born. James and Wilma have been blessed with over seventy years together.

James is survived by his wife, Wilma; two sons, James Callan and John Callan, of Monett; four grandchildren, John David Callan, Monett, Susan Callan, Oklahoma City, Robert Boling, McCloud, OK and Randall Boling, Blare, NE; five great-grandchildren, David Callan, Branson, Michael Boling, Purdy, Kelly Boling, Purdy, Alexia Boling, McCloud, OK and Shelby Boling, McCloud, OK.
James was preceded in death by one brother, John Callan; and two sisters, Adeline Bell and Rosemary Wisk.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Buchanan Funeral Home. Chaplain Jack Betts will be officiating. Interment and military honors will be in the King’s Prairie Cemetery with Pastor Nancy DeJager officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been requested to the Kings Prairie Cemetery. The family asks that all in attendance please wear a mask. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *