Joseph Michael Callahan

Joseph Michael Callahan, 79, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away May 16, 2024. He was born May 3, 1945, in Army Area Hospital No. 1 Bronx, New York to Geraldine Alma (Folk) Burch and Joseph Michael Levikas who died in action before Joe’s birth.
 

In 1947, his mother married a good and worthy man William Raymond Callahan who provided a good life for the family until the day he passed.
 

Joe was raised on a farm in Ohio. He graduated from Lordstown High in 1963 and he went on to enlist in the US Marine Corps in 1966. It was during training at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, that Joe met his wife to be Karen Louise Mercier. Joe and Karen were married July 22, 1967, in Tampa, Florida and raised three wonderful children.
 

Joe served six years in the US Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam 1968-1970. He ascended to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1972, Joe enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served at several Coast Guard duty stations including USCG Aircraft Program Office, Little Rock, Arkansas. Joe retired from the USCG as a Chief Petty Officer on September 1, 1986.
 

Joe held a career in the radio/communications/tower industry eventually retiring from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department at the age of 68 and then returned to work with Holsted Company until age 71.
 

Joe greatly enjoyed picking his guitar and fishing with his children and grandchildren as the years passed by.
 

Joe attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock 1980 – 1982. He was awarded an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology in 1983.
 

He is survived by his children, Ann (Toni), Emily (Travis) and Michael (Allison); his grandchildren Kya, Carson, and Cooper; sister, Frances (Dave) Ginter and his loyal canine companion, Tilly.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. 

 A memorial service will be held at 9:30AM, Friday, May 24, 2024, at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107) with burial following at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.