John Arthur Callahan

John Arthur Callahan, 82, longtime Moses Lake resident, died Saturday, August 15, 2009, LakeRidge Special Care of natural causes.

He was born January 27, 1927 in Loa, Utah to Joseph Irvin and Jesse Myrtle Johnson Callahan. He married Elizabeth Anne Zahm on February 13th, 1953, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. He has eight children.

He served in the U.S, Army Air force from 1945 to 1947. He served at Geiger Air force base, Gallina Air Station and Wheeler Air Force Base (Pearl Harbor) and other locations. He received a World War II Victory Meal and an Army of Occupation Meal-Japan.

Art came to the Columbia Basin in 1952 from Nyssa Oregon for an adventure in the new water reclamation project that was opening up and remained here until his death. He farmed several blocks north and south of Moses Lake.

Art, as he was known most of his life, was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He held various callings in the church and loved being a home teacher. He served a two year mission in the Western States Mission and loved being a Temple worker in the Seattle Temple.

Art is survived by his wife Betty of 56 years, six sons John (Wendy) of Montana, Bill (Debbie) of Moses Lake, Gary, Moses Lake, Tim (Karen) Texas, Betty (Bill) Matthews, Moses Lake, Matthew (Denise) Richland, Jane (Keith) Reed, Burbank,  Patrick (Samantha) Michigan. He has nineteen grandchildren, fourteen and a half great grandchildren and numerous niece and nephews. Three sisters Dawna Herrud, Royal City, Faye Fryer, Corvallis, Oregon, and Loya Fryer of Eugene Oregon. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and nine brothers, and one sister.

His greatest joy in life was grandkids and family. He loved gardening and growing roses. He loved farming and seeing the crops grow and the harvest that came in the fall.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories. Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nelson Road Chapel.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.  You may sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.