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Thomas E. Callen

March 31, 1947 ~ November 25, 2025

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Thomas E. Callen, 78, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025. Born on March 31, 1947, in Wichita, Tom lived a humble, gentle, faithful, and hardworking life devoted to the people he loved.

A graduate of Wichita East High School, Tom went on to attend Kansas State University, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering. In 1969, he began a long and distinguished career with Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, Florida, serving as a project engineer. His work was marked by integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to excellence. Tom retired in 2013 after more than four decades of service, leaving behind a legacy of respect, skill, and steady leadership.

On August 25, 1967, Tom married Caron, the true love of his life. Their marriage was a beautiful love story – faith-driven, selfless, and filled with quiet acts of devotion. Together, they were sweet, supportive, and deeply connected, always willing to help others and serve their community. Their partnership was a rare and genuine example of a love that lasts a lifetime.

Tom cherished his family above all else. He loved being a husband, father, brother, and especially a grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He found joy in simple pleasures: playing guitar, listening to music, tending his garden, watching birds, spending time with friends, and living out his faith each day with sincerity and grace.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Callen and Irene Branson; and by his brother, Tony Callen, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Caron Callen; his son, Tom Callen, wife Victoria, and their children Dom and Sarah of Omaha, Nebraska; his son, Rob Callen, wife Tiffany, and their son Gavin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his brother, Jon Callen and wife Kelly of Wichita; and his sister Barbara McClung of Wichita.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita.

Services

Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 6, 2025 3:00 pm

Hillside Christian Church
8330 E. Douglas Ave.
Wichita, KS 67206


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  1. We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom Callen’s passing. Many of us knew Tom and Caron through their countless hours as volunteers with the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Tom’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him and being helped by him. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Tom’s family and friends during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories of his generosity and the positive difference he made in our community.

  2. Heaven has gained a talented (and very funny) base! Tom’s deep voice was one of the foundations of our choir at First Congregational Church in Cromwell, CT. His jokes and puns were enjoyed at our rehearsals. My deepest sympathies to Caron and his family.

  3. Tom will be greatly missed as a dedicated and caring volunteer reading coach through the United Way: Read To Succeed program. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
    -Reading Teacher & Volunteer Coordinator Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet School

  4. Tom was a wonderful person–engaged, compassionate, insightful, and devoted. It was our pleasure to know him and to worship with him.

    Caron and family: We are so sorry. We are sending prayers for comfort, strength, wisdom, and peace.

  5. Tom’s dedication to helping others made our community a better place. His kindness and service leave an enduring legacy, one that will continue to inspire all of us to carry his spirit forward. He touched so many lives, from other volunteers to the people he helped complete tax returns for, to the students he helped with reading. We are eternally grateful for him, and to Caron for sharing him with us.
    Caron and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We wish you strength and comfort through this season of life. Tom will be deeply missed.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Kristie, United Way of the Plains and VITA

  6. Tom, ” Thanks ” – for you always shinned to all who came into contact with you – what A Blessing . I send Prayers of Strength and Comfort to the family at this difficult time and ” Always “.

    Aunita Combs .

  7. Caron, I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. I cherish all the time I got to spend with you two. I am blessed that I had the opportunity to work along side you both. Tom will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. Caron,
    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was a very kind gentleman. I will miss him during tax season time. Praying God will embrace you and your family with Peace, Comfort and Strength.
    Love and Blessings,
    Betty Washington

  9. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I worked for Tom at Pratt & Whitney. He was very kind & dedicated. Thoughts & prayers to his family. May your memories bring you comfort.

  10. Caron, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. Sitting at the Northeast Senior center, you and I spent many hours talking about your worries over Tom’s health. I was looking forward to seeing you both come tax time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hold your memories close and your family closer.


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