Henry Francis Addison Callahan, Jr., “Sonny” to all who knew him, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025. He was 88 years old. Born April 11, 1936, in Grasonville, MD, he was the son of the late H.F. Addison Callahan and Kathryn Ellen “Kitty” Lynch (Callahan) George.

     Mr. Callahan was a 1954 graduate of Caroline High School in Denton. After graduation he entered the U.S. Marine Corps in November of 1954. After his Honorable Discharge in January 1956 (because of a medical problem with his left eye) and having it surgically repaired, he worked for W&N Lumber Co., Dickerson Inc., Caroline Bowling Lanes, Graver Tank & Mfg. in Wilmington, DE, and in January of 1960 he joined the accounting department of Campbell Soup Co. in Chestertown, MD.

     In 1961, he contracted Tuberculosis and was admitted to Pine Bluff Hospital in Salisbury, MD for one year. After his confinement, he continued working with Campbell Soup Co. until June of 1965. During this time, he traveled to Klamath Falls, Oregon…a dream he had for years.

     In September of 1965 he was employed by Choptank Electric Co-op, Inc. in Denton where he worked until he retired after 30 years in 1995. He served as a lineman for 24 years and was the company’s only “Purchasing Agent” for the last 6 years he was employed. After his retirement he was awarded the “Solon Bennett Award” for “Excellence in Materials Management” by his peers which is awarded to one individual in the United States, one time each year. He was the 4th recipient to have ever received this award.

     On September 17, 1966, he married the former Nancy Lee Tribbett of Sudlersville, MD. Besides his wife, he is survived by three children: Daniel Franklin Callahan (Kelly) of Hillsboro, MD, Kathryn Rebecca Callahan (Mike Hines) of Felton, DE, and Robin Lynn (Callahan) Diehl of West Warwick, RI; and his grandchildren, Tyler Jacob Kiel of Felton, DE, Rheanna Lee Diehl of West Warwick, RI, and step grandson, Tucker Coleman (Lindsay) of Denton; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews left behind that are too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his only sister, Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth “Peggy” Callahan Conway of Wilmington, DE. She died 2/15/2022 at the age of 87 years old.

     In March of 1998 he was nominated for and was elected to the Board of Directors of Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc. for Caroline County. He filled that position until March 26, 2019, with 21 years’ service. He earned and received the GOLD award for completing courses related to being a Director in April 2017. “Sonny” earned the “Eagle Scout” rank on 11/28/1951and served as the Assistant Scoutmaster with troops #10 and #343 in Wilmington, DE. He was Scoutmaster & Explorer Advisor with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #165 and Explorer Post #365 in Denton, MD. As a charter member of the Kent Co. Jaycees, Sonny served as the “State Director” in that organization. He later affiliated with the Denton Jaycees and “chaired” a project called “Junior Champ”, which was very successful. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership in Caroline County P.T.A. for this achievement. He was also a member of St. Luke’s U.M. Church in Denton. He served as an Usher and was a member of the Advisory Board. In 1956, Sonny joined the American Legion Post #29 in Denton as a “paid for life” member. 

     He had been a Mason for over 50 years, entering in 1972. Sonny is Past Master of Temple Lodge #128, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Denton where he served sixteen years on the “Board of Trustees”. He served a “Grand Inspector” for the Grand Lodge of Maryland for 6 years. Sonny instructed new candidates from time to time and had instructed dozens during this time. He was a 32 Degree Mason.

     Sonny served for three years as Financial Secretary of Local Union 1707 at Choptank Electric Co-op, Inc. when he was a Lineman at the Co-op. He had also served as Treasurer and Vice President of the Denton Elementary P.T.A. Association.

     Being an Umpire, he enjoyed many hours for Denton Little League for 28 years. He also served as President of Denton Little League for one year. Also, serving as President of the Caroline High School Alumni Association from 2005 until 2018 was something he and Secretary Dot Schuyler did willingly.

     On June 4, 1999, Sonny was appointed by Governor Paris N. Glendening to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board for Caroline County where he served for 6 years. He also served as Vice President of the Caroline County Historical Society and is a Life Member.

     On October 1, 2008, he was appointed by the Caroline County Commissioners to the Ethnics Commission for Caroline County for a 2-year term and was reappointed to another 2-year term in 2016. He retired in 2019 from the Commission early in 2019.

     On December 7, 2010, Sonny was sworn in as a Judge of the Orphan’s Court for Caroline County for a 4-year term. Sadly, due to conflicts between the Board of Directors of Choptank Electric and the Orphan’s Court he was forced to give up as Judge of the Orphan’s Court after 3½ years.

     “Sonny” enjoyed many good things in life including his children, grandchildren, and any sport associated with a ball, and being with good friends and family. Most of all, he enjoyed the many hours alone with his beloved wife, Nancy.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, February 19th, at the Moore Funeral Home, P.A. at 12 S. Second Street in Denton. On Tuesday evening, February 18th, there will be a viewing/visitation from 4 pm until 6 pm with a Masonic service being held at 5 pm. The interment will be in the Denton Cemetery.

     If friends want to give a memorial donation in memory of Sonny, the family suggests sending them to St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 100 S. 5th Ave. in Denton.