Donald “Don” Merritt Callen, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Black Canyon City, AZ on March 19, 2026. He was born in Flint, MI to Donald M. Callen, Sr. and Virginia Rose Callen née Stevens on November 26, 1941. He was the eldest of two sons who grew up on Catalina Island, CA.
Don was part of a beloved local tradition there — calling out with other island boys, “Throw a coin, Folks!” to tourists arriving on the SS Catalina steamship. He would then dive into the sparkling harbor waters to retrieve his coins triumphantly.
Diving helped Don learn to hold his breath for 4 minutes and created a lifelong love of the ocean and sailing. In Hollywood, CA, where they had later moved, he was a champion swimmer. He also participated in many plays and skits, both in Avalon and Hollywood High.
Soon after school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy to proudly serve his country. He was stationed on the USS Pine Island. Then, on the USS Skipjack, one of the earliest nuclear submarines ever built. He was fiercely proud of his service on the Skipjack. He could be seen about town wearing his USS Skipjack ball cap with pride.
One of Don’s great passions was flying, which led him to flight school and to becoming a skilled pilot. Later, he opened a hang gliding shop in Flint, MI called Cloud Nine, where, as an instructor, he shared his love of flight with others. Don never lost the joy he found in flying or the peace and freedom he discovered above the clouds.
In 1984, Don married the love of his life, Monica. Together, they brought four children into their marriage: Dessie, Virginia, and Cathy Callen, and Robby (now Rob) Brundle. Over the next 41 years, they built a beautiful blended family, with Don as a devoted husband and father.
Don was always an adventurer and maintained that spirit until the very end. This love carried over to his family life as they traveled, camped, enjoyed riding quads and their rZr, went shooting, and spent evenings gathered around the fire – roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, making s’mores and memories.
Don was proud of his numerous accomplishments as an entrepreneur. He was also a patriot, and an outspoken supporter of the 2nd Amendment and the Constitution. He had a warrior spirit – standing tall in the face of life’s challenges, overcoming them with determination, and a quick wit. All who knew him would certainly agree that his greatest legacy is the faith in God he passed down to his children and grandchildren, and that he boldly shared the Good News of Jesus’ unconditional love and grace with everyone he met.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald M. Callen, Sr. and Virginia Rose Callen.
Don is survived by his wife, Monica Callen, née Mitchell, of Black Canyon City, AZ; his daughters, Dessie Callen of Clio, MI; Virginia (Keith) Christmas of Sterling Heights, MI; and Catherine “Cathy” Callen of Apache Junction, AZ; his son, Rob (Amber) Brundle of Peoria, AZ, and their children, Henry and Alayna Brundle; his brother, Dennis (Margo) Callen of Fenton, MI; his cousin, Shirley Thompson of FL; and
his beloved dog, Lucy, of Black Canyon City, AZ.
Don’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the VFW Post 1796 at 12:30 PM located at 34801 S. Velda Rose Rd. in Black Canyon City, AZ 85324. Lunch will be included. He will be interred at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI