James "Shay" Lambert Callen
January 1, 1929 — January 3, 2020
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Forest Park East Cemetery
Forest Park East Cemetery
James "Shay" Lambert Callen
HOMER, LA: James "Shay" Lambert Callen; beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born on January 1, 1929, in Shreveport, LA. After living a quality-filled and impactful life, Shay passed away peacefully on January 3, 2020, at the age of 91.
A mere 18 days before his death, Shay was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Fay Swan Callen. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Callen; his parents, James Overton and Mabel Maud Callen; his sisters, Flora Sistrunk and Bea Baughman; and his brother, Don Callen.
Shay is survived by three sons, Kenneth Callen and wife Mary Lynn of Chesapeake, VA; Jim Callen and wife Denise of Lake Charles, LA; and Ronny Callen of Homer, LA; a daughter, Cathy Sayes and husband Ron of Palm Coast, FL; daughter-in-law, Suzonne Blackwell Callen; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a brood of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
After his school-years, Shay served in the National Guard. He then returned home to play baseball for several "semi-pro" baseball teams before receiving an invitation to try-out for the Cincinnati Reds. At the time, Shay had also received an opportunity for employment with the US Post Office.
While Shay's childhood dream was to play baseball in the Major Leagues, he embraced his role as the elder son of a widowed mother and accepted the responsibility of financially providing for her welfare. Indicative of his selfless character and unwavering devotion to his family, a quality he modeled throughout his life, Shay selected employment with the Post Office where he could assure provision of his mother and himself. Shay went on to work for more than four decades with the Post Office before retiring.
Throughout his adulthood, Shay was known for his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For many years, Shay served as a deacon at Broadmoor Baptist Church of Shreveport, LA, where he passionately served Christ and humbly served others in the love of Christ.
Shay's hobbies included a variety of outdoor activities. Of these, his favorite seemed to be fishing together with his wife. The marriage of "Shay and Fay" was a 64 year love affair of deep devotion to each other.
In his passing, Shay is remembered with endearing love and gratitude by those who were blessed to know him.
Graveside services were held at Forest Park East, Shreveport, LA, on Monday, January 6th, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers honoring Shay, his family suggests memorial be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home
Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Shay" Lambert Callen, please visit our flower store.
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