Callis

Merle Warren Callis of La Grange found peace May 6, 2024, from the ugly disease of dementia. We will have a Celebration of Life later this year. We were blessed to have Merle for over 91 years, dying just nine days shy of his 92nd birthday.

Merle was born in Pharr/ San Juan in the valley of Texas. He was very active in 4H and we just learned he played tight end in football. His worka- hollic nature began early, working in the livestock yard, barefooted, during high school and then road construction after graduating.

He drove a maintainer. He was the best at leveling you could get! He met the love of his life, Billie June, while she would drive by, flirt with the young, good lookin tractor driver. They set the bar for marriage, love birds until the end (68 years), always holding hands and kissing!

Merle started his own Underground Construction business, Callis Construction in Houston. Every weekend, the whole family would go to “The Farm” in La Grange to clear trees and brush. We all now appreciate the efforts as “The Farm” and its park-like setting that will remain in the family to enjoy and remember him for generations! The hard work he instilled in his children taught them to also become work-a-hollics and be successful in all our endeavors.

He was so successful that he retired to the farm in his early fifties. Retired did not mean he quit working as he could still work harder than the average man at 90. He relentlessly kept the property in perfect condition.

Merle never met a stranger, always greeting everyone cordially. “If dad didn’t pick on you, he didn’t like you.” Conversation was never lacking, normally without a filter! Merle loved to play cards and dominoes, especially if he won!

Merle leaves behind his wife, Billie June Callis; daughter, Wendy Swenson of Montana and husband Keith Swenson; son, Scott Callis; son, Tracy Callis; grandchildren Amanda Daley; Hunter Callis; Travis Smith, wife Toni, great grandsons Austin, Kaden; Colt Callis, fiancé Bre and great granddaughter Laykelyn.