Major Ronald C. Callen

Birth date: Nov 26, 1943 Death date: Nov 12, 2022

Ronald Charles Callen, 78, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 12th, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. Ron was born November 26, 1943, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Donald and Dorothy Callen. After graduating from Johns Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Mike Rose

158w ago

I cannot stop thinking and grieving about the passing of my friend and classmate Ron Callen. As my Doolie summer roommate when I was only 17 and he was at least four years older, he made a big impression on me, helping me by modeling him. (Upperclassmen years younger than him, seemingly confused about who was more senior to whom, paid more attention to training Ron who did not need their “training” than to me who did.)

Over the years we kept in touch, on occasion visiting and staying with each other and our wives at our homes and being in a business together. I was privileged to meet his brother and children, and honored and happy to attend his and Dana’s 40th anniversary celebration weekend in San Antonio. When I remember of Ron I will think especially of the legacy of his children, for whom he felt love and pride that was very obvious. I know Ron meant it when he told them he had a dream and they were his dream.

But there is more to Ron and me than all of that. I feel a spiritual connection with Ron. I do not know why, but to me that connection is real and I feel he will always be part of me. I cannot explain it any better than that. Good bless you, Ron. You gave better than you got, and I will always remember you with love and respect.

Mike Rose, AFA ‘69

Matt Waldron

159w ago

Ron was my classmate for 4 years in squadrons 7 and 11, AIr Force Academy. A good friend and older mentor, he always offered a shoulder to lean on. Ron had a smile, a good word, and a good idea for every friend and situation. He was a good guy and a natural leader. Ron cared for those around him and became a great husband and father. I will miss my friend.

John Skorupa

159w ago

Ron and I were good friends at the Academy. As cadets from the Philadelphia area we got to know each outside of our assigned squadrons. Since most of our hops home for whatever holiday seemed to go through Delaware where I lived, my father routinely picked us up and got all to their homes, so Ron was a friend of my family as well. At the Academy, Ron and I volunteered to be acolytes for chapel services during our senior year and we had many deep conversations. Ron's wisdom and prior college experience qualified him as a mentor which I greatly appreciated. I extend my heart-felt condolences to his family. As sad as it is to learn of his passing, we know he has "graduated" to a better place. Godspeed, Ron!

John Skorupa, Class of '69

Hud Baer

159w ago

Ron was my first roommate at the Zoo. We were in Seagram Seven along with a lot of other great guys. We knew at our last reunion that Ron wasn'[t doing well and we raised a glass to "Pops". Told a lot of stories about Ron. He taught me a lot and from time to time over the years I would reach out for some "fatherly" advice. He helped me get through Doolie Year. Without him, I am not sure I would have made it. I will miss my roommate.
He was friends with my parents also. One night he ended up at my parents' house in Philly with Dana. Claimed he made a wrong turn getting on the PA turnpike in Pittsburgh and needed a place to stay. My Mom made one of them sleep upstairs and one of them sleep downstairs. Note: They weren't married at the time. Everybody loved Ron.
Godspeed Roomie!
Hud "69

Mike Thiessen

159w ago

It has been a long time since I last saw Ron, far too long. My memories are of a classmate who shared similar interests in woodwinds, his clarinet, my flute, shared friends (we were never in the same squadron) and intense interests in sports. Our friendship may not have been renewed with any frequency, but that in no way diminishes my appreciation and respect for this wonderful man. Among the many good memories were numerous times spent discussing basketball with Ron and Cliff Parsons, the center on our AFA team and with Ron, a fellow Pennsylvanian.

To me, and to other '69ers, Ron was the old man, already having more than three years under his belt, I believe at Penn State.

I just want his family to know from a friend from long ago how important their family member was to a classmate from Nebraska by way of Kansas. Such a good, kind, decent and enjoyable friend.

Mike Thiessen, '69, USAFA

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall