Sterling "Calhoun" Callahan

Sterling "Calhoun" Callahan, the patriarch and rock of his family, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old.

Known to family and friends simply as "Calhoun," Sterling was born in Brownsville, Texas, to the late Constance Callahan, Sr. and Azalie Dehart Callahan. At a young age, his family relocated to the Houma area, where he embraced the Cajun way of life and developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

Growing up on Bayou Dularge, Sterling spent countless hours on the water fishing alongside his father and family. Those early years, built on hard work, family values, and a deep connection to the bayou, shaped the man he would become. After years of commercial fishing, Sterling began a career in the oilfield, working as a deckhand for local companies including Edison Chouest and James L. Gray until his retirement.

Sterling lived life to the fullest and filled every day with purpose. His children fondly remember their father's many passions: fishing, cutting grass, tending his flowers and vegetable gardens, and raising chickens, rabbits, pigs, and a variety of other animals. He found joy in caring for both the land and those around him.

An exceptional cook, Sterling loved nothing more than feeding family and friends. Whether it was a pot of fresh smothered rabbit, a late-night breakfast of French toast, or any special request from those he loved, he was always eager to prepare a meal. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at his table left with a full stomach and a warm heart.

Sterling also enjoyed spending evenings with friends at some of his favorite local establishments, including the Gray Goose, The Fisherman, The Hunters Cove, and the Belvedere. It was at the Belvedere that he met the love of his life, Mary. These gathering places offered him the opportunity to enjoy a cold drink, share stories, and reconnect with old friends. He was also a skilled pool player who often won jackpots, and true to his generous nature, used those winnings to help provide for his family.

Above all else, Sterling was devoted to his family. He was more than a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a mentor, a trusted friend, a source of strength, and the family storyteller whose humor and wisdom brought everyone together. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be remembered always.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in carrying forward the values, traditions, and memories he leaves behind.

Those left to cherish his memory are his nine children: Sterling "Doody" Callahan, Jr. (Heather), Angel "FeFe" Callahan (Richard), Robert "Coon" Callahan, Ed Callahan (Ginger), Candy Callahan (Joseph), Todd Callahan (Myra), Beth Callahan (AJ), Nick "Zoe" Callahan, and Amy Jo LeBlanc (Shane); his grandchildren, Tiffany, Brian, Andy, Devin, Tabitha, Chance, Ozzy, Daisy, Laura, Clarissa, Jason, Madelyn, Jamison, Matthew, Carson, and Macelyn; his great-grandchildren, Blaine, Zane, Abigael, Audrielle, Jacqueline, DaShawn, Kason, Jaylen, Dane, Devin, Jr., Levi, Jayde, Lillith, Tylen, and J'Tori; his brother and sister, Gary Callahan, Sr. and Deanne Liner; his sisters-in-law, Alice Callahan and Jo Ann Vincent; brother-in-law, Morris Hebert; and his dear friends, Robert Landry, Dwayne Gautreaux and Ernest Coop.

Along with his parents, Sterling was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Hebert Callahan; his daughter, Patty Ann Callahan; his granddaughter, Maci Marie Callahan; his great-grandson, Kylen Sky Andras; and several brothers and sisters.

In keeping with Sterling's wishes, no public services will be held and he will be laid to rest privately at a later date.

The family invites relatives and friends to share condolences and memories by visiting his online memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.

Rest in peace, Calhoun. Your love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.