Callahan, Herman Eugene

Longtime Baptist Minister In Chattanooga Area Was World War II Veteran

Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Herman Callahan
Herman Callahan

Herman Eugene Callahan, died on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. He was 88.

He was ordained to the ministry in February 1947, at Burning Bush Baptist Church.  Rev. Callahan was the pastor of nine churches and after retirement eight interim positions in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.  He retired from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Hixson, in 1987.  During his ministry he served on several committees for Hamilton County Baptist Association and served on the Tennessee Baptist Executive Board from 1974 to 1980.  Herman was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church. 

He was an Army veteran of World War II, served in the Army Service Force on Okinawa, Hawaii and Korea. 

Rev. Callahan was always faithful in his service to God and consciously chose to praise Him and followed His guidance.  He was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  He enjoyed reading, traveling and playing the guitar.  He enjoyed traveling to the Southern Baptist Conventions, a road trip across the United States and to the Holy Land.   Herman wrote a book of poems and over 3000 sermons in his lifetime.  He was always telling humorous stories and jokes. 

Rev. Callahan was especially thankful for all the wonderful people he had the privilege of serving during his ministry.  He always shared his love for the Lord Jesus through his actions and words.

The family would like to thank all of the dedicated caregivers, Janie, Nancy, Maggie, Debra, Ann and Pat, for your love, care and blessings you brought to our family and a special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga for your support.      

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rachel Callahan; brothers, Arnie, Barney and Darl Callahan; sister, Evelyn Whisenant and son-in-law, Hutch Lewis.

Herman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris Gilstrap Callahan; daughters, Janet (Truman) Anderson, Donna Lewis and Cindy (Bruce) Crumbliss; sister-in-law, Deweese Callahan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Crawley and Bruce Crumbliss and several nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be held at National Cemetery with military honors for Reverend Callahan.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, June 29, at the North Chapel.

A memorial service for Reverend Callahan will follow at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Dr. David Myers and Reverend Bill Harvey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Reverend Callahan’s name to Tennessee Baptist Association at 6623 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421 or Red Bank Baptist Church, 4000 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank, Tn. 37415.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.  

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.


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