It is with great sadness that the Callan family share the loss of the family’s esteemed patriarch, Gary Leroy Callan on Memorial Day, May 30th, 2011. Gary was born May 18th, 1938 to Ormand and Ruby (McDowell) Callan in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his loving wife of 43 years, Yvonne (Kelly) Callan. Gary leaves behind his wife of 9 years, Elsie (St. Germain) Callan and his only sibling, Cathey (Callan) and Mark Kucera of Arizona.  Five adoring children; his only daughter, Connie (Callan) and Dave Rackley of Georgia, four sons, Scott and Colleen Callan of Henderson CO, Tim and Gabi Callan of Aurora CO, Shane and Susan Callan of Colorado Springs, and Kevin and Cindy Callan of Colorado Springs, CO.  Gary has 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren all of whom take this loss with great sadness. Upon his graduation from High School, Gary began a long, illustrious military career in the U.S. Army.  He courageously served multiple deployments in Viet Nam, Korea and Thailand as part of elite Special Forces units with the Rangers and Green Berets. He has been featured, along with many other silent heroes of his generation, in a book titled Top Secret Missions by John E. Malone. This has given great insight to his children about the man he became while serving and after the completion of his dedicated and selfless service to our country.  He was a decorated solider receiving many medals and service awards throughout his career including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal among many others.  He retired from the Army as Command Sergeant Major stationed for many years at Ft. Carson. After retirement and with many years and lots of energy still left in him, he began his own successful company, American Way Contractors, which he later decided to sell as his health declined.  He spent his later years much the same as he did following the war by enjoying his garden, his many friends, and blissfully watched his children’s families grow.  He loved a good story and a good joke.  He was quick witted and always armed with great “garyisms” (words of wisdom) that his children enjoy sharing with their own children. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 3, 2011 at 11:00 am, at Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1830 E. Fountain Blvd., CSC, 80910 with a reception to follow at the home of Kevin and Cindy Callan, 2893 Inspiration Dr, CSC 80917. A private burial will take place at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.