Henry F. “Frank” Callahan

Henry Franklin “Frank” Callahan was born June 12, 1930 in St. Joseph, Missouri and departed this life on October 7, 2020 at his home in Greenwood, Missouri at the age of 90.

Frank loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren as they grew up and began having families of their own. Frank also looked forward to having breakfast with his friends each week. His favorite pastime was to share the accomplishments of his family with anyone who would listen.

Frank was the only child of Henry Vest and Edna “Blossom” (Shook) Callahan. He grew up and attended school in Greenwood, Missouri. Frank went to work at General Motors – Fairfax in 1949. On December 30, 1950, Frank was united in marriage with Alfreda Czeschin in Huntsville, Arkansas. They made their home in Claycomo, Missouri. Frank and Freda later moved their family to Greenwood, Missouri. Frank was a member of the Golden Circle Horse Show circuit. He and his family loved showing horses for many years.

In July 1951, Frank left home to serve his country in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in June 1953, Frank returned to work at General Motors. While at General Motors, Frank earned his GED. Frank left General Motors – Fairfax in 1974, transferring to General Motors – Leeds, where he worked until he retired in 1987. After his retirement, Frank served as a consultant for Cummins Diesel in North Carolina from 1990 to 1994.

In addition to his work in the automotive industry, another passion of Frank’s was farming. In 1980, Frank purchased a grain truck and started hauling grain for his son-in-law Bob and other local famers. His days hauling grain on the farm were some of the happiest of his life. Frank retired from hauling grain in 2010.

Frank was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post #3118 of Pleasant Hill and V.F.W. Post #97 of Plattsburg, Missouri.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna “Blossom” Callahan. He is survived by his wife Alfreda (Czeschin) Callahan of the home; one son, Greg Callahan and wife Pam of Centerview, Missouri; one daughter, Diantha (Callahan) Hertzog and husband Bob of Greenwood, Missouri; Seven grandchildren, T. J. Callahan and wife Kari, Chad Hertzog and wife Jill, Jake Callahan, John Hertzog and wife Megan, Melanie (Callahan) Brockhaus and husband Danny, Mark Hertzog and wife Melissa, and Sarah (Hertzog) Keys and husband Kris; Fourteen great-grandchildren, Samantha and Joe Callahan, Corbin and Case Brockhaus, Caleb and Brooke Hertzog, Kennedy and Norah Hertzog, Waylon, Ruby, Porter, and Nellie Hertzog, and Sawyer and Wyatt Keys.

The family of Henry Franklin “Frank” Callahan will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020 at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the funeral home with Rody Taylor officiating. Casket Bearers will be T. J. Callahan, Jake Callahan, Chad Hertzog, John Hertzog, Mark Hertzog, Danny Brockhaus and Kris Keys. Honorary Bearers are Melanie Brockhaus and Sarah Keys. V.F.W. Post #3118 of Pleasant Hill will conduct the Final Salute. Interment will be a private family service at Floral Hills East Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations to the VA Heartland Network are appreciated. https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50728406/