Industry Mourns Passing of Jarold Callahan
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jarold Callahan who served as the President of our Express Ranches for 27 years,” said Express Ranches owner Bob Funk, Sr., in a statement posted on social media.
Callahan, 69, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Miami, Okla. In addition to his tenure at Express Ranches, Callahan was one of the founders of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Congress and was serving as its board chairman. He also served as a member of the American Angus Association® Board of Directors from 2004 through 2012, serving as President and Chairman of the Board in 2012.
“Jarold was not only a dedicated leader but also a cherished friend of our family,” Funk said. “His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for our ranching business played a pivotal role in its success and growth. Under his guidance, we have achieved significant milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years to come.”
The Cattlemen’s Congress released a statement calling Callahan one of the most influential figures in the cattle industry.
“His dedication extended to serving as a beacon of inspiration for the upcoming generation, urging them to think creatively and venture beyond conventional boundaries in the livestock industry,” the statement said.
“Callahan also served in many other prestigious roles and has received countless accolades, most recently as the 2023 inductee into the historical Saddle & Sirloin portrait gallery. Previously, after his distinguished livestock judging career, he transitioned into education, becoming an Assistant Professor of Animal Science and the Livestock Judging team coach at Oklahoma State University. Coaching multiple national champion teams and contributing to the construction of the OSU Animal Science Arena, Callahan demonstrated a deep commitment to the beef cattle industry and its future.”
Callahan grew up near Welch, Oklahoma on a diversified family farm and cattle operation where he developed his passion for farming and ranching. He continued on to be a member of the Northeast Oklahoma (NEO) A&M Livestock Judging team and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Livestock Judging team where he was second high individual overall at both Fort Worth and Houston, as well as third high individual overall at Chicago.
The celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
