Earnest "Ernie" C. Callahan, 84, of Greenwood, died February 5, 2016. The son of William McKinley Callahan and Olive Catherine Neal Callahan Dobbins, Earnest was born July 28, 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Earnest was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. A machinist, he retired from Navistar in May 1995 after 43 years. Ernie was a member of Meridian Church of God, where he served as a Board Member, Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher and had gone on six mission trips. He was a woodworker for over 20 years and had a blade sharpening business which included sharpening instruments for many veterinarians around the state. Ernie and Thelma enjoyed traveling around the country, especially visiting our National Parks.

Earnest is survived by his wife, Thelma R. Merrick Callahan of Greenwood; daughter, Brenda S. Callahan of Greenwood; son, Daniel S. (Dawn) Callahan of Chiang Mai, Thailand; sister, Violet L. (Gerald) Miller of Nashville; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, McKinley, Francis and Everett Callahan.

Funeral services 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Meridian Church of God - 7800 South Meridian Street. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home - 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood. Burial with military honors will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood, following services.

Contributions may be made to Meridian Church of God - 7800 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46217.