Thomas "Pops" Ellis Calahan

Thomas Ellis “Pops” Calahan, 85, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life while in the care of St. Francis Hospital, South Campus, on December 22, 2020. He was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on February 10, 1935 to the late Ruben and Velvet (Howard) Calahan. As a young man, Thomas and his family moved around, living in Kentucky and Tennessee as sharecroppers. At the tender age of 15, he packed his belongings and hopped a train headed to Indianapolis, where he secured employment with Davey Tree, later retiring from Borden Milk Company. In the early 1960’s, Thomas met a feisty young red head, Lorrenea. After smarting off to her, she chased him with a brick. He turned around, took it from her, kissed her, and the 57-year love story began. The happy couple started their life together in Gasburg, later moving to Wilbur. Jolly, witty, and charming, Thomas never met a stranger. With a passion for learning, he continued to read and absorb knowledge, becoming a self-taught medicine man. A talented gardener, he raised and sold vegetables every year at the Indiana Farmer’s Market, as well as from a stand in front of his home. Although he could be contrary and stubborn, he was a loving father, grandfather, and magnificent “hunky” husband, he adored his family deeply. Thomas leaves this world with a void, but also his words of wisdom; You can’t soar like an eagle if you fly like a turkey. Along with his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Ruffice Calahan; siblings, Patsy Whitehouse, and Jess Lee Callahan; and a grandson Logan. Pops leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Lorrenea (Miles) Calahan of Monrovia; children, Timothy Calahan (Melissa) of Avon, Jeffery Calahan (Monica) of Monrovia, Vincent Calahan (Dana) of Monrovia, and Kimberly Pruitt (Mark) of Bainbridge; siblings, Dallas Callahan, Martha King (Billy Joe), and Rayford Callahan (Thelma), all of Tennessee; grandchildren, Angel, Kate, Allison, Sarah, Erin, Ethan, Sean, James, Kira, Britny, and Michael. Due to current county and state COVID-19 guidelines, public gatherings have been limited to contain no more than 25 people. All attendees are required to provide and wear their own facial masks throughout the duration of services. Please be mindful of social distancing and avoid all personal contact to slow the spreading of the virus. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m., Pastor Steve Pitman will officiate, and services may be observed live on Light Memorial’s Facebook page. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 28, in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Thomas's family is seeking assistance with his final expenses, c/o Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main St., Monrovia, IN 46157. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Thomas’s memory search Facebook for Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel @MonroviaFuneralHome or visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Thomas "Pops" Ellis Calahan

February 10, 1935 - December 22, 2020