John Callion's Obituary
John Callion, age 67, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on September 16, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, to Millicent B. Callion and the late Dr. Raleigh Callion Sr., John lived a life rooted in faith, family, and joy.
He was a devoted husband to Stephanie Callion and a proud father to Ariel (Curtiss) Williams, Domonique (Christina) Callion, Brooklyn (Tavion) Sims, and Mykenzie Ballenger. He was a loving grandfather to Elle and Jahseh, who brought him endless pride and laughter.
John was preceded in death by his father Raleigh Callion Sr., his brother Dr. Raleigh Callion Jr., his grandmother Edna C. Butler, and his uncle Dr. Adam T. McDaniel.
He is survived by his beloved wife, his children and grandchildren, his mother Millicent B. Callion, his sister Madelyn M. Callion, his Aunt & Godmother Lois McDaniel, Cousins Honorable Fredric McDaniel (Neils), Jenita (Michael) Lythcott and a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss his presence.
A true man of faith, John was deeply involved in his home church Triumphant Christian Center where he served faithfully in many areas of ministry. John devoted much of his life to serving others. He touched many lives with his kindness, generosity, and love for people.
John’s passions reflected his joyful and vibrant spirit. He loved sci-fi and action films, laughing along with Laurel and Hardy, and cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Music was the soundtrack of his life, with favorites including Earth, Wind & Fire, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Parliament Funkadelic, Gino Vannelli, Stanley Clarke, Brian Culbertson, and gospel artists such as Fred Hammond, Rance Allen, Clint Brown, and Wes Morgan. Known for his warm humor and signature phrase, “Bless your heart,” John had a way of making everyone around him smile.
John’s life will be celebrated on what would have been his 68th birthday, September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Triumphant Christian Center, 904 Thomas Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. To honor John’s memory and his favorite color, the family invites guests to wear navy blue—or any shade of blue—as a symbol of love and remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/781e43a0
John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his laughter, his music, and the countless lives he touched. His love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
John 14:1-3 KJV
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