John W. Callison passed away on May 12, 2024 at Hillsboro Hospital after a brief Illness. He was 98.
John was born to Ted and Mabel (Maddox) Callison in Wichita Kansas January 20, 1926. Shortly after his arrival the family moved to Oklahoma.
When Mabel died at the age of 30, John was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Wichita, where he would attend school. While still a 17 year old senior in his school, John and his best friend enlisted in the Army Air Force to help fight the war. John also had intentions to become a pilot. Unfortunately the Air Force considered him to be too tall for flight school.
After finishing his stint in the service, John went to work for the Underwood typewriter company where he traveled extensively around the country selling and servicing Underwood typewriters. It was also during this time that he attained his private pilot's license. Flying small planes would continue to be a source of joy for him for many years.
He later relocated to Colorado where he was involved with home construction. He eventually owned his own company which supplied kitchen cabinets, lighting and appliances to other contractors in Grand Junction, Colorado.
After selling his company and retiring he moved back to central Kansas where he reconnected with some old friends from the area, Including Adele (Terry) Gribble. It wasn't long before they began dating, and they were united in marriage on April 8, 1995.
John and Adele enjoyed an active retirement over the past 30 years. When they weren't traveling (destinations included Hawaii, Alaska, Israel and yearly winter trips to Arizona) John was usually either building or re-modelling something. John was proud of his military service and took part in one of the first Honor flights to Washington, DC.
John also enjoyed volunteering with local food banks and meals on wheels programs. He also loved taking care of his "granddog" Maddie.
John is survived by his wife of 29 years, Adele of the home, two stepsons Terry Gribble (Rita) Canton, KS and Scott Gribble (Charlotte) Prairie Village, KS as well as 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and many friends.
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2024 at Canton Township Cemetery, Canton, KS. Memorials may be made to Canton Community Church or Canton Senior Center and can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W. Euclid, McPherson, KS 67460.