Edward Lee Callender

Edward Lee Callender, age 93 and a long-time resident of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2023. Ed was born January 10, 1930 in McComb, Mississippi to William E. Callender and Odella (Parsons) Callender. Ed lived in McComb and Natchez, Mississippi until age 9 when his family moved to Valdese, North Carolina. He attended schools there and graduated from Valdese High School in 1947. Ed briefly attended Mars Hill College before entering the United States Air Force in September, 1948 and was honorably discharged in August, 1952. While serving at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Ed met the love of his life, Patty Jo (Pat) Pounds while both attended First Baptist Church. Ed and Pat were married September 7, 1952 and have resided in Wichita Falls since that time. Ed entered Midwestern University in 1953 and graduated with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Economics in 1955. He was subsequently employed by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane in June, 1955 and retired from Merrill Lynch & Company in August, 2004. One of Ed’s greatest professional joys was meeting and working with clients and their families from all across Texas and the Southwest to help them achieve personal financial goals.

In private life, Ed was a devoted Christian who served as a member of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls for over 70 years. He served in a number of lay leader roles in his church, including Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Treasurer and chair or member of many standing and ad hoc committees. He loved his church and its members, was strongly committed to his faith and the sharing of its meaning to him, and lived his life proudly adhering to his Christian principles.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents William E. Callender and Odella P. Callender, his only brother William S. (Dub) Callender and by Dub’s wife Wilda M. Callender. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 70 years, Pat Callender, by his two sons and their wives, Drs. David L. Callender and Tonya R. Callender of Houston and Mark E. Callender and Beverly A. Callender of Wichita Falls, and multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and cousins. The entire family grieves Ed’s passing, but each of us carries forward many fond memories of Ed’s humor and grace and all of the life lessons that he taught us.

A family graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 6 at Crestview Mausoleum in Wichita Falls. A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls. Pastor Luke E. Callender, Ed’s eldest grandson, will officiate at both services. Honorary pallbearers for the memorial service will be Rusty Ellis, Ron Hamilton, Dr. Brian Hull, Allen Lazenby, Dan Mowrey, Tommy Sugg and Dr. Mark Suggs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be provided to the general scholarship fund at Midwestern State University or to your favorite local charitable service organization.