Kent Marlow Callahan

Kent passed away peacefully on January 16, 2020 at the age of 77. Kent was born August 28, 1942 to Marlow and Eva (Meyerhoffer) Callahan in Salt Lake City Utah.  Kent served in the National Guard from 1960-1968 pausing to serve a 2 year mission in Western Canada.  Upon returning, he married the love of his life Jo-Ann Quilter on December 3, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple and settled in Farmington Utah.  Together they raised 6 children. Kent is survived by his wife Jo-Ann and his children; Heather Callahan, Patrick (Danielle) Callahan, Alice (Dion) Richins, David (Sara) Callahan, Becky (Jacob) Shapiro, 17 Grandchildren and 13 Great-grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his daughter Jan Callahan, his parents Marlow and Eve, and in-laws Alfred and Vera Quilter.   

Families were always an important part of Kent’s everyday life.  Everyone has wonderful memories of camping, backpacking, hunting, shooting, 4 wheeling, fishing and boating with him.  He shared his love of animals with his children and grandchildren.  It was never a surprise to have him come home with a new pet including: ducks, a goat, hundreds of chickens, a pony, horses, pheasants, cows, turkeys, show pigeons, doves, and an occasional stray cat or dog. He even saved a fish who survived the ride home from ice fishing.   He and his wife’s goal was to visit every road in Utah. Many of these trips ended with a tow truck rescue. Together, they made weekly trips to Antelope Island and Farmington Bay.  He loved to laugh and tell funny stories and make funny faces. He had a wonderful cookie monster impression.

Kent worked as a tile setter in his family’s business until his retirement due to Parkinson’s disease.  He valued working hard and doing it right every time. He was known for asking “Are you going to leave it like that?”  Kent found joy in service.  Many people’s first experience with Kent were when he showed up with work gloves to help with a project.  He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife completed a 9 year service mission and he attended the temple a couple days a week.   Kent has a strong testimony of his Heavenly Father and His love for His children.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday January 21, 2020 at the Latter-day Saints Chapel at 14 Bonanza Road, Farmington, Utah at 11 am, with a visitation from 10-10:45 am prior to the service.