Don Pearson McCallum

February 23, 1939 - May 12, 2021

Don McCallum, 82, of La Feria, Texas died Wednesday afternoon May 12 ^th, in Baytown, Texas from complications from Lewy Body Dementia.

Don was born in Denver, Colorado, and lived in Boulder, Colorado until the age of 12, when his family moved to Houston, Texas.  At the young age of 17, Don enlisted in the Air Force and served in Japan and Germany as a radio operator / intercept, using morse code.  After serving, he returned to Houston and attended the University of Houston, where he graduated with a BA in Philosophy.   While in Houston, he met his wife of 59 years, Martha McCallum. In 1971, Don moved his family to La Feria, Texas to farm citrus.  Don was an entrepreneur, adventurer and certainly a man of the world. He was a Real Estate Agent, Maintenance Company Owner, Citrus Farmer (Grapefruit), Bicycle Shop Owner, Mexican Import Owner, Firestone Employee, Teacher of High School English, Spanish and Special Education, Philosopher, Storyteller, Mountain Climber, and Published Author of two books.  However, of all these amazing things, his true passion was working with the Life Skills students at South Texas High School. Working with his students was his passion and enjoyed sharing this love with family and friends.

However, of all his achievements, his love and kindness towards others were his greatest attributes. Don was the most loving and kind person you will ever meet. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. We love him very much and he will be greatly missed.

Don McCallum is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Marion J. McCallum (Pepaw) and Sylvia McCallum (Memaw). Survivors include his wife, Martha of Harlingen, TX, sons Michael McCallum (Lisa) of Harlingen, TX, Eric McCallum (Rosemary) of Nampa, ID and daughter Suzanne Dorman (Lanny) of Harlingen, TX. His grandchildren include Lindsay McCallum (Clint), Lauren Reimers (Joshua), Patrick McCallum (Kylie), Brady Dorman and Owen Dorman. He also has five great grandchildren: Allegra, Eisley, Jude, Ryver, and Grayson.  Don also has one sister - Karen Swift, of Toronto, Canada along with four nephews, three nieces and their respective families.

A private memorial service will be held this summer in Houston, TX at the VA Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

One of Don's many passions was teaching his Life Skills students. So, In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in honor of Don McCallum to the new Harlingen School District Transition Academy.

Transition Academy C/O HCISD

407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip

Harlingen, TX. 78550.

Arrangements by Graceful Memorial Chapel of Houston, TX.