Robert Ray Callen, age 75, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019 after a long illness at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA.
He was born on January 23, 1944 in Farber, Missouri to the late John Robert and Marjorie Ruth (Hall) Callen.
Bob graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1967. Following ROTC training, he entered the U.S. Army and later became an Army Ranger for the 101st Airborne. He was deployed to Vietnam for nearly a year and was the recipient of both a Bronze and Silver Star. During his time in the Army, he worked as a Research and Development Coordinator and an Electronic Warfare-Cryptologic Tactical Operations Officer. Bob was a generous to a fault, never focused on the negative side of life and always conveyed a positive attitude.
Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Linda Elaine Callen; three children: Michael Robert Callen of Kansas City, MO, Laurel Lynn Callen of Fairfax, VA; and Robin Rae Kitchens and husband Matthew of Moore, OK; two step sons: Byron Dawkins of Haymarket, VA and Christopher Dawkins of Haymarket, VA; one brother: John Doran Callen and wife Mary Ann of Bourbon, MO; nine grandchildren: Noah and Elijah Callen of Kansas City, MO; Devin and Noah Grunstad; and McKenzie, Joseph and Noah Kitchens all of Moore, OK; Samantha Dawkins of Woodbridge, VA and Tara Dawkins of Boston, MA.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Antioch Baptist Church, 16513 Waterfall Road, Haymarket, VA 20169 with Rev. Dr. Billy G. Tatum officiating. Interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of flowers or you may donate to: Wounded Warriors Project, 1120 G. Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 in loving memory of Robert R. Callen.
Condolences may be sent to: www.piercefh.com
