Allen Ray Callahan, 71, of Nuyaka, was born on October 4, 1954, in Sallisaw to Bill Ray and Maedean (Payne) Callahan. He passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Allen attended school in Beggs and graduated from Atoka High School. He continued his education at Northeastern State University, where he earned a degree in Education. On July 31, 1982, he married the love of his life, Renee Creason, beginning a marriage that spanned 43 years.

Allen devoted his entire professional career to Schulter Public Schools, where he both began and retired after 42 years of service. During his distinguished career, he served as a History Teacher, Principal and ultimately Superintendent. Allen had a deep passion for education and for shaping young minds. His love of teaching extended beyond the classroom, as he was always eager to teach and guide his own children and grandchildren at home. Allen possessed a lifelong commitment to learning. At the age of 48, he began pursuing his master’s degree in education, driven by a sincere desire for continued personal and professional growth. He consistently devoted time to reading books and articles, always seeking to expand his knowledge.

In addition to education, Allen had a lifelong passion for agriculture. In his earlier years, he could often be found planting or harvesting crops. He would also plant several acres of vegetables that the entire family helped tend, and during the summers, the Callahan family could be found in downtown Beggs selling a truckload of corn, tomatoes and watermelons. In later years, Allen continued this tradition by maintaining a large garden, always producing more than enough to share October 4, 1954 – January 19, 2026

with family and friends.

Allen also greatly enjoyed raising cattle. Much of his time was spent tending to his cow herd, fixing fences or completing whatever task needed attention. Before his retirement, Allen and Renee could be found feeding cattle late into the night after attending basketball games, school board meetings or other school activities.

Family was at the heart of Allen’s life. He took great joy in attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, including roundup club play-days, livestock shows, ball games and countless other events.

Allen attended First Baptist Church of Beggs and lived his life guided by strong faith.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 43 years, Renee Callahan; one daughter, Ginger Morris and husband Drew of Nuyaka; two sons, Brice Callahan and wife Stephanie of Mason, Paton Callahan and wife Ashleigh of Twin Hills; and his beloved grandchildren, Dallas Collins, Jr. and wife Leslie, Luke, Levi and Lane Morris; Kayleigh, Maddie, Abby, Calvin, Coy and Samantha Callahan. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family who were dear to him, as well as many close friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brice Callahan, Paton Callahan, Drew Morris, Dallas Collins, Jr., Chris Creason and Jay Fox.

Mr. Callahan will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education and his deep devotion to family and community.

Viewing will take place Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1-6 p.m. at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Beggs. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church Beggs. Interment will follow at Beggs Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Allen’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.