Terry Callison

On July 14, 2021, Terry Callison passed away at the age of 89. Born in Tucson, AZ July 30, 1931 to Elbert and Nina Callison, he was raised in Bisbee, AZ and attended high school there. At 18 years old Terry enlisted in the US Navy and at 19 earned his wings as a naval airman.

During the Korean War Terry flew off the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier. After many successful sorties, he was shot down but was able to get his damaged airplane to a makeshift runway on friendly soil and survived the ordeal. He was honorably discharged and soon after began his career United Airlines. He flew a variety of aircraft for United, retiring as a 747 Captain.

Married on June 15, 1958, to Judy Roether from El Cajon, CA, they had three sons and a daughter: William, Steven, Jennifer, and Mathew. After spending the first 20 years of their marriage in California, they moved to Enumclaw, WA in 1978, enjoyed a long life and raised their family in the home they built on a hill outside of town.

Terry was a little league coach, a cub scout leader, and our biggest fan when he was in the stands rooting for his kids or grandkids. He was active in Young Life for many years. An avid sports fan, he rooted for the Seahawks and Mariners and tried to play as much golf as he could. He was a car enthusiast but did not collect them. Simply enjoying the collections and work of others made him happy when visiting auto shows.

He was a great father, an outstanding grandfather and shared his love for life with his wife Judy and his entire family. He had a great sense of humor and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Terry was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer in 2001 and his son Steven in May of 2021, just two months before he passed. He is survived by his wife Judy; two sons William and Mathew; and 8 grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life service for Terry and his son Steven in September 2021 in at the Enumclaw Men’s Club.

Please share a memory of Terry on the tribute wall and check back for service information.

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