David Orley Callahan

And for seven years, David Orley Callahan “DOC,” 62, of Visalia, CA floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, fiercely fighting and defeating the greatest of opponents, multiple myeloma and parotid cancer.

On Friday, February 24, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, David chose to lay down his gloves and go on the most beautiful and mysterious adventure of his lifetime.

David was born on February 1, 1955 in Fresno, California. Affectionately known as “the favorite,” David was the second youngest of four born to Glick and Edna Callahan. A self-professed “mama’s boy,” nary a day went by that David didn’t call his beloved mother.

David graduated from Mount Whitney High School in Visalia, CA in 1973 where he earned both a high school diploma and a squad of life-long friends. A free-spirit and risk-taker, David spent his early 20’s traveling and exploring the world in awed wonder of what life had in store for him.

In 1985, David married Carolyn “Carol” Joyce Maness, his wife of 32 years. It was on this magical day that a 28-year-old David was presented a dowry of three teens and a five-year-old. Run, he should - but stay, he did.

After working for years in the airlines business, David’s thirst for personal improvement and success led him to purchase Miracle Ear, a hearing aid business that he co-owned and operated with his close friend Dave Benson.

David will be best known for his love of life, adventure, knowledge, and his genuine interest in every person that he encountered. He will also be known for his love of the Lakers and Dodgers, golf, wacky dance moves, and his penchant for misplacing his wallet and car keys.

David is preceded in death by his father, Glick Callahan and younger brother, Jeffrey Callahan. He is survived by his mother Edna Callahan of Visalia, CA; wife Carol Callahan of Visalia, CA; brother Steve Callahan of Visalia, CA; sister Linda Callahan of Visalia, CA; daughter Jeana Brooks of Visalia, CA; and sons Ben Lackey of Sedro Wooley, WA; Vern Lackey of Hanford, CA; and Jason Lackey of Vancouver, WA. He also leaves his adored Aunt Wana and Uncle Clifford of Visalia, CA; countless cousins that he cherished; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren in which he took great joy.

Known for being the life of the party, a celebration in his honor will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 at the Visalia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.