Obituary of Robert Callen

Robert Callen Obituary Robert Christoper Callen left this world peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 13, 2018 after a complicated battle with Lymphoma. He was 85. Robert, "Bob," was born on February 12, 1933 in French Camp, California to parents Herbert Callen and Ethyl Viola Eisenhut. He was the middle son of three boys. Bob grew up in Stockton, California, attending Catholic school and eventually graduating from St. Mary's High School. After graduation, Robert began a long-lived career in the carpentry business. Aside from a brief stint with Pacific Gas and Electric as a welder, and his pre- retirement years as a maintenance man for Twin Falls Clinic & Hospital, Bob practiced carpentry for the duration of his working years. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Leota Batten, at a drive-in restaurant. At their initial meeting, Leota wasn't too sure about Robert - who had his head inside her car window and was begging for a date. He left with her phone number thanks to Lee's younger sister, Linda. The two were married on March 17, 1961 in Stockton, California and shared 57 years of wedded bliss. Together, they welcomed three daughters into the world. Bob and Lee spent nearly the first half of their marriage in California, but after visiting Idaho for a hunting adventure, the decision was made to relocate. In 1980, Robert and Leota left California permanently with their two youngest daughters in tow, and the oldest to follow a short time later. Aside from Lee, Bob's great love affair in this life was with the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and rarely missed an opportunity to partake in either of these passions. He was also a champion trap shooter, and enjoyed many Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings at the Twin Falls Gun Club. Bob hunted and fished in some of Idaho's most remote locations chasing after ducks, geese, pheasants, big game, and fish of all varieties. He spent countless hours tying his own flies and reloading his shells. In the first house he and Leota bought in Idaho, he had an entire room dedicated to his craft - an early pioneer of the "man cave." His favorite hunting and fishing buddies were his good friend Dr. Don Pica, and his son-in-law Derrick Hanson. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ethyl Callen. He is survived by his wife Lee; daughters Muriel Monteverde of Lincoln, California, Lisa Callen of Twin Falls, Idaho, Cristy Callen (Eddie Smith) of Buhl, Idaho, and Traci Hanson (Derrick) of Filer, Idaho; stepdaughter Debbie Pierson of Penn Valley, California; grandchildren Christopher Callen, Heather Callen, Jon Bowyer, Holli Lusk (JD), Alex Bowyer, and Brianna Owen (Cader); 5 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Vicki & Lou Probasco and the staff of Bridgeview Estates, MSTI, St. Luke's Home Health, and Visions Hospice. To the nurses at St. Luke's Magic Valley who were always willing to accommodate Bob in his request for a room with a view of the helicopter pad - this is the definition of going above and beyond; you made his last hospital stays entertaining. A very special thank you to Dr. Lisa Burgett for her exemplary care and compassion - Robert could not have asked for a better physician. A memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Camp Rainbow Gold (www.camprainbowgold.org) or Mountain States Children's Home (www.msch.org).