John M. Callander, 72

Posted

John Morgan Callander, 72, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in Bradenton, FL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Weber-Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the funeral home.

Mr. Callander was born in Manhattan, NY, the son of William and Laura Callander. He married Linda Elam, formerly of Hillsboro, and she survives.

He enjoyed his early childhood in Clinton, prior to the family's move to Winnetka. Following his 1963 graduation from North Shore Country Day School, he earned an economics degree from Tulane University. He began his career with Owens-IL in New Orleans, retiring as a manager of finance, sales and shipping from the Godfrey plant.

While he served the Alton community, both on the Zoning Commission and the Board of Altonized Community Federal Credit Union, it was his personal qualities which will be most remembered. He was kind and compassionate. He had a megawatt smile, wacky humor and enthusiasm for life that never failed to bring laughter to his friends and family.

He exhibited grace and resilience during his 13 years of living with Alzheimer's. His grandchildren played with their grandpa on the beach and read him stories.

Besides his wife of 33 great years, he is survived by his sons, William of Webster Groves, MO and Mattew (Sarah) of Sudbury, MA; his daughter Rebecca Callander (Tim Liddy) of Kirkwood, MO; his grandchildren, Mikaela, Winston, Claire, John and Sam; three sisters, Sally Callander of Chicago, Clay Callander of St. Paul, MN and Sean (Donald) McIntosh of Lexington, MA.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, FL, BIG Love Cancer Care or the Madison County Humane Society.

Condolences may be left at www.nationalcremation.com/sarasota/obituaries.