Michael “Mike” Callison, 70, of Barnett, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, June 9, 2018, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike was born on July 7, 1947 in California, Missouri to Durwood “Gene” and Flossie (Strange) Callison. He grew up in Barnett, was a member of and was baptized at Union Baptist Church, graduated from Eldon High School in 1965, and was a student at CMSU in Warrensburg before volunteering for the United States Army and serving in Vietnam.
Mike served with Company A, 249th Engineering Battalion. He received the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars, and was rated Expert M-14 and Sharpshooter M-16 before being honorably discharged in 1970. Upon returning to the area, Mike was employed by Southwestern Bell as an installer/repairman until he retired after 30 years of service.
He was united in marriage to Carol Jean (Luttrell) Ballenger on March 26, 1982, in Harrisonville, Arkansas. He was a member of the Communication Workers of America Local 6314, the Telephone Company Pioneers, the VFW, and the Freemasons, and was a generous supporter of multiple charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Native American schools, and the ASPCA. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Paul Callison of California, MO, Rebecca Callison of Lake Ozark, Angleique Jungmeyer and husband, Mike, of Independence, April Thornsberry and husband, Greg of Jefferson City, Joel Ballenger and partner, Angie of Eldon, Nathaniel Ballenger and partner, Cera of Eldon, Sarah Rogers and husband, Shawn of Fort Wayne, IN, his sister, Jeannie Westerfield of Savage, MN, his brother, Steve Callison of Eldon, his grandchildren, Chris, Brittney, Courtney, and Tori; McGarrett, Maverick, and Mariah; Zachary and Emily; Alan-Michael and Cadence; Victoria and Logan; Alysa and Alex; Jeffrey, Leland, and Camrin, six great grandchildren with two on the way, as well as five nieces and nephews, many friends, and, of course, his loyal beloved dog, Little One.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO. Funeral Service will be Friday, June 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM also at the Phillips Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenmore Memorial Gardens in Barnett, MO with Full Military Honors presented by the Eldon VFW Post #2442.
Mike requested that, In Lieu of Flowers, those who wish contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.
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