Gary Hall Callister went to meet his Heavenly Father on July 3, 2022. Gary was 81. He was born on Friday, June 13, 1941 to Leland and Nellie Callister in Delta, Utah where he grew up. He was a wonderful husband, fantastic and loving father and grandfather, concerned and caring brother and a great uncle and loving son.
Gary graduated from Delta High School, where he took state in wrestling. He attended Weber State University with a full scholarship. However, when the Lord beckoned, he packed up and went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the south, serving in Florida. He had such love for those he served on his mission. He stayed in touch with lots of them for many years, and spoke of them often throughout his life, telling of his love and their conversion.
His first marriage gave him a son and daughter whom he loved very much.
He married Char Callister in 1971; they were happily married for 51 years. Char and Gary had another daughter in 1979 whom he had the joy of raising.
Gary loved working in construction for most of his life. His job took him and his family to many states, including Wyoming, Idaho, California, Nevada, and from Northern Utah to St. George. Gary was a superintendent for Layton Construction for many years. He decided in midlife to change his profession and take life a little easier, becoming a realtor. He first worked in St. George, but moved to the mountains, working for ERA for the next 23 years.
Gary owned an excavation business and was a cement contractor for a while. He passed those skills on to his stepson Mark, who is currently still working in that business.
Gary loved his Heavenly Father with all his heart, serving in multiple Bishoprics and positions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Nevada Temple for 3 years before work took him to Utah again.
Gary loved sports. He would always watch golf and football, but his favorite sports were the ones in which his grandchildren participated. He attended each and every one he could.
Gary and his wife Char spent many seasons hunting the beautiful mountains that surrounded Salt Lake City, often times taking the kids with them. They loved camping which he and his family did for many years. He loved fishing with family and friends; being outdoors anywhere was one of his great joys in life. In later years, he and his family moved to the mountains of Southern Utah, where he and his wife built their dream home. He spent much time sitting on his porch looking at the scenery and loving the view.
Gary is survived by his best friend and loving companion of 51 years, Charlene; his treasured 3 children daughter Krissie Nicole (Heber) Steed, daughter Stacie (Tyssen) Booth, and son Ryan (Valerie) Callister; two children of Char's children from a previous marriage, Mark Joseph Champagne and Pamela Panicek; adopted, adored and loving daughter Hailie Ray Wilcox; his 7 adored and loved grandchildren Zachary (Rebecca Morey) Callister, Jacob (Ashley) Callister, AJ (Jan) Horn, Callie (Pierson) Baldwin, Cloie Nicole Callister, Cya Champagne Crane, and Oaklie Rain Steed; and siblings Maurine Grizzle, Cathy Pace, Scott (Barbra) Callister, and Duane Callister.
Services will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Hatch Utah Ward Chapel, with a visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Hatch Cemetery. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary of Kanab, Utah. Flowers for the service may be ordered from Kanab Floral, 435-644-2991. A Go Fund Me account to help with expenses for the family has been set up by Krissie Steed, titled “to pay for living expenses”, and can be found by searching the gofundme.com site with her name and that title.
So sorry to hear of your loss. He has moved on to a greater mission. You will be missed, dear friend
I need all to know that my husband Gary raised and brought up and loved with all his heart his stepson Mark Champagne. He taught him all he knew and loved every moment he grew through the years. May God forgive me for all I should have put in the obit and I did not.
Gone but not forgotten. What we ( family) would have done for you. Lend an ear, gave long hugs, dried your tears. I just hope the Angels up there are loving you Unconditionally and making you feel welcome. As that’s how you helped us all down here. Grandpa Gary, I am sending all my love to you and your family.