Virginia Gail Callahan

Virginia Gail Callahan, age 94, was born on May 22, 1930, near the old suspension bridge at Bend, Lampasas County, TX, the oldest child of Sherman Means and Virga Hope (Baxter) Millican.  She departed this life on April 1, 2025, in Lampasas, TX.

Gail started school at Bend and then graduated from San Saba High School in 1946.  She then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin at age 16, where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration (Education emphasis) in 1950.  While at the University of Texas, she was a member of Phi Mu sorority.  She continued her education at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, where she graduated in 1959 with a Master's in Education.  Gail was a longtime Vocational Office Education instructor, teaching at high schools in Granbury, Coleman, Gatesville, Killeen, and Lampasas.  She retired from Lampasas Middle School in 1991.

Gail married Don Callahan in 1958.  He passed away in 1977.

Gail was a lifetime member of Bend United Methodist Church and had been a longtime member of Lampasas United Methodist Church, where she was active in Sunday School and the handbell choir.  In addition to church activities, which she held very dearly, she was a member of the 36 Club, a longtime supporter of the Lampasas Library, and an avid weekly bridge player until the past year.  Gail was an amazing cook and supporter of her family and their activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother-in-law, George Strouhal.

Gail is survived by her sister, Carol Jean Strouhal of Friendswood, and brother, Pat Millican (Bonnie) of Bend.  She is also survived by her nephew, Paul Strouhal (Sharon) of Midland, niece, Jennifer McAninch (Douglas) of Friendswood, and nephew, Dr. Geoffrey Millican (Lindsay) of San Antonio.  She is survived by great nephews, Brian Strouhal and Sam (Hattie) Strouhal, Henry and Jack Millican, and great nieces, Emily (Shawn) Putman and Mae McAninch.  She is also survived by great-great nephews, Holt and JW Putman, and great-great nieces, Annabell and Mary Caroline Strouhal, and Maizie Jean Putman.

Celebration of Life Service for Virginia Gail Callahan will be at 11 AM, May 3, 2025, at the Bend United Methodist Church, preceded by interment at 10 AM at the Bend Cemetery for family and friends.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Serenity Caregivers of Lampasas, including Barbie, Becca, Claudia, Koriea, and Jamie, who allowed Gail to remain in her home which was her primary wish.  Also, a special thanks to longtime friend Valarie Chambers.

Memorials in honor of Gail Callahan should be directed to Bend United Methodist Church, PO Box 126, Bend, TX, 76824, or Bend Cemetery Association, PO Box 130, Bend, TX, 76824.