Callandar

Donel C. Callander, 90, of Doc Walker Road, West Freedom, passed away at the Clarion Hospital at 6:10 a.m. Friday.

Born Sept. 26, 1920, in Dutch Hill, Perry Township, Clarion County, he was the twin son of the late Merle C. and Nina M. Fair Callander.

He graduated from the former Parker High School in 1940.

Don and his twin brother, Ron, served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946. They were together all through the service, serving in the South Pacific on Luzon Island, Philippines. He served with Company D of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division.

Don was a proud member of the American Legion Charles A. Black Post 498 of Parker for 61 years, serving two terms as commander in 2006-2007. He was a life member of the VFW Post 7073 in Parker, and also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Before entering the service, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. After his tour of service, he was employed by S. J. Stiver Plumbing and Heating in Dutch Hill. He later started his own business, Callander Plumbing and Heating, and was in business for about 10 years. He then was employed by Hunters Truck Sales and Service of Eau Claire beginning Feb. 1, 1962, retiring in 1985. After retirement he worked part-time when Hunters needed him.

He was married in Ohio to the former Viola Thompson on March 15, 1940. They were married for 62 years when she passed away Nov. 29, 2002.

He attended the West Freedom United Methodist Church until recent ill health prevented his attendance.

He dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Don was “Mr. Fix-it” and could repair almost anything. Many people went to him for advice and any part or tool they might need.

He is survived by one son, Leslie (Barbara) of West Freedom; one daughter, Elaine (Larry “Pep”) Simpson of West Freedom; eight grandchildren, Scott Freeberg of Houtzdale, Mary Beth (Mark) Conner of St. Petersburg, Laurie (Glenn) Moore of Hilliards, Wendy (Darrick) Stewart of Sligo, Wesley (Kim) Callander of Parker, Pete Callander of West Freedom, John Callander of Sligo and Vince (Amy) Callander of Myers Hollow Road, Parker; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, the Rev. Bessie Maihle of West Freedom and Kathy (Ralph) Morrison of Bellefontaine, Ohio; and one sister-in-law, Alvera Leckliter of Silver Springs, N.Y.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Callander was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his twin brother, Ronel, and three sisters, Dorothy Callander, Alene Anthony and Doris Pierce.

<B>CALLANDER</B> — Friends of Donel C. Callander, who died Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and again at the same hours on Monday at the <B>H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home</B>, Wayne Street, Parker.Visitation also will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the West Freedom United Methodist Church with services beginning at 2 p.m. Services will be conducted by his sister, the Rev. Bessie Maihle, and associate Pastor Kenneth Hughes.Interment will be in Rimersburg Cemetery where members of the VFW and American Legion posts of Parker will conduct veterans services at the graveside.To view or send condolences or to send flowers or sympathy cards, visit buzardfuneralhomes.com.