Claude Alexander Calahan, Jr.

Claude was born October 27, 1926, in Norphlet, Arkansas to Claude Alexander Calahan Sr. and Ruth Lucile Gardner Calahan. The family moved often since Claude Sr. worked in the oil fields of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Claude graduated from high school in Simsboro, LA. He then served in World War II as a Corporal in the Army Air Corps. Claude primarily worked in post-war reconstruction in Japan repairing vehicles and rebuilding roads. After returning home he was a Sergeant First Class for the Louisiana National Guard in Ruston, LA for five years. In Ruston he met his future wife, Glynn Tidwell, where they both graduated from Louisiana Tech University.

Claude and Glynn married in Ruston in 1951 and soon moved to El Dorado where Claude began working as an accountant and auditor for Murphy Oil Corporation and spent his entire career there. His wife, Glynn, was a teacher and principal in the El Dorado School District. They were active members of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 60 years. Claude was a member of the El Dorado Civitan’s for 50 years. He was President of the Ark-La-Tex Institute of Internal Auditors. After retiring, Claude enjoyed carpentry, genealogy and being with his friends and family. He was an avid walker well into his 90’s. Most of all, he was an extremely loving and friendly person.

Claude was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 65 years, Glynn Tidwell Calahan, his parents and four sisters, Ruth Hargrove, Billie Calahan, Merrie Ann Sears, and Ruby Rachel Calahan.

He is survived by one sister, Martha Maxine Grant; one son, Dr. Gordon Calahan and his wife, Laurie; one daughter, Melanie Calahan Walz; 5 grandchildren, Dr. Blaine Calahan, and his wife, Destiny, Madison Calahan, Meredith Calahan, Maura Calahan and Alexander Calahan Walz; 4 step-grandchildren, Abigail Rogers, Cade Rimmer, Aubri Elise and Carter Calahan; and three great-grandchildren, Gemma Calahan, Sylvie Calahan and Ellis Calahan.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 12 at Immanuel Baptist Church, El Dorado, AR under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with Pastor Clark Whitney officiating and Mike Dumas speaking as a friend of the family. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m.

For friends considering memorials, the family recommends Immanuel Baptist Church, 3209 W Hillsboro St, El Dorado, AR 71730, or Hope Landing (therapeutic & support services for children with disabilities) 214 Hope Landing Rd/P.O. Box 10215, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com

LIFE LESSONS BASED ON THE ACTONS OF CLAUDE CALAHAN, JR.

SMILE AND BE FRIENDLY:

If you are genuine and friendly to everyone, you will be loved and have lots of friends. He often walked across restaurants to say “hi” to anyone that he knew or that even looked familiar.

EVEN IF SCHOOL DOESN'T COME EASILY, YOU CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER:

He was held back two years in school. He was in the 3rd grade before he learned to read. He attended 10 different schools before graduating from high school because his family moved so often. Yet he made it through high school, worked his way through college, graduated with a degree in accounting and had a successful career as an auditor with Murphy Oil Corporation.

SAVE AND INVEST AS YOU GO:

Live below your means so you can save along the way. He retired earlier than he planned when the oil market declined, but because he and his wife had saved and invested along the way there was enough money to last beyond his 96 years and he enjoyed a nice, long retirement.

KEEP WALKING:

Even in his 90’s he walked to lunch, to the grocery store, to downtown and even to the VA office when it was at 5th & Madison (2.5 miles round trip). Walking every day helped him to stay healthy and let him retain his freedom even after he was no longer able to drive.

A STRONG WOMAN BY YOUR SIDE IS AN ADVANTAGE, NOT A THREAT:

Going through life with a strong partner makes the journey better for both of you. It also shows your sons and your daughters that they can all be strong.