William M. “Bill” Callahan, 88, of North Platte, passed away peacefully at Golden Living Center at Cozad on October 15, 2014.  Bill was born to Ray and Olive (Sumner) Callahan on December 22, 1925 at White Cloud, KS.

He served in the military prior to attending college in Kearney and taught school in Sutherland.  He was the owner of Callahan Implement Company in North Platte and later spent his time ranching.  He was very active in the community for several years, serving on the committee that was instrumental in bringing the college to North Platte.  He also served as President for the Fair Board and the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of First National Bank and the Foundation Board of Great Plains Health.  Bill enjoyed life to its fullest and one of his favorite past-times was the time he spent with the “coffee bunch” at Arby’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick; a step-daughter, Cornell Wright; a step-daughter-in-law, Betty J. Cooksley; two sisters and two brothers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Betty (Drake) Cooksley; four grandchildren, Jed Cooksley, Tad (Teresa) Wright, Jennifer (Justin) Thomas and Greg (Ang) Wright;  six great grandchildren; and four nieces, Glenda, Soni, Arloa and Janice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Alzheimer’s Support Group or the First Presbyterian Church.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am Monday, October 20, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Polly K Deppen-Williams officiating.  A private family burial will be held prior to the services.   Visitation will be from 1 pm to 7 pm Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.