Stephen Patrick Callery was born August 28, 1948 to Myrtle Ose Callery and Charles Milton Callery in Minneapolis, Minn. He went home to be with his Lord on January 1 at about 11:00 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Callery; and one daughter, Julie Lynn Callery.
Steve is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Carolyn Graham Callery; two sons, Sean Callery, daughter-in-law, Lindsey Uchtman Callery, and Yuri Callery; and two daughters, Stephanie Lynn Callery, Galina Callery Gaddy; son-in-law, Ted Gaddy; and granddaughter, Adeya Lynn Callery. He is also sur¬vived by one sister, Mary Carlson; one brother, Mike Callery; two adopted brothers, Richard Fort and Robert Fort; and several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Upon graduating from North Central University in Minneapolis in 1971, he entered the ministry as an evangelist. In October 1972, he met Carolyn Graham in St. Louis, Mo. and they were married on Decem¬ber 29, 1973 in Granite City, Ill. Steve and Carolyn made their home in San Diego, Calif. until August of 2002.
Steve’s sincere love for people was expressed in his calling and service as a pastor and teacher of the gospel and his chosen career with New York Life In¬surance for 35 years.
Steve often said, “The most important things in life are relationships with God, with family, and with friends.
Life with Steve was always an adventure. He could turn the simplest occasion into a party with his warmth and sense of humor. Steve was a devoted and loving husband and father. He truly cherished his wife and just loved being with her, whether it was a drive through the country, dessert at Steak n’ Shake, or a trip to New York or Europe. Some of his fondest memories with his children were many camping trips to the mountains and just hanging out around the house.
Steve always had friends around, so it was no sur¬prise when he decided to move the family to Spring¬field in 2002 that several families from San Diego also decided to make Springfield their home.
Steve’s life impacted many others. He loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He will be greatly missed, but he left a little piece of himself with all who knew him.
He is now rejoicing with his heavenly Father and many loved ones in Heaven.
Services for Steve will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012 in Life Point Church in Ozark, Mis¬souri under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East with burial following in White Chapel Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.