Wayne Franklin Callen

Wayne Franklin Callen, 78, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Wayne, the son of Franklin and Esther (Brothers) Callen, was born August 27,1946 in Emporia, Kansas. He spent his entire life in Madison and was very proud of his hometown.

Wayne graduated from Madison High School in 1965. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he served for four years during the Vietnam War in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Wayne served as an Interior Communications Electrician E4 Petty Officer 3rd Class on the USS Nitro AE-2/AE-23 Ammunition Ship.

Following his military service, Wayne was briefly employed at Dolly Madison in Emporia, KS where he met, in his own words, “his wonderful wife” Judy Heins. The two were united in marriage on November 15th, 1969 in Madison, KS at the First Christian Church.

In September, 1969, Wayne began his career at the Madison Telephone Company in Madison, Kansas, where he was an Outside and Inside Telephone Plant Technician for 37 1/2 years retiring in 2008. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with his five grandkids. Wayne was an avid KU basketball fan until he was ultimately converted to the light side as 3 of his grandchildren, son and son in law attended Kansas State University. During the majority of his retirement, he also took pleasure in helping Judy with her Licensed Daycare of 47 years. All of the day care children had a very special place in Wayne’s heart.

Wayne was a lifelong fisherman. His passion for fishing was a source of great joy for him, whether that was catching catfish from the banks of the Verdigris River or Madison City Lake, or walleye and crappie from the boat at Melvern, Wolf Creek and El Dorado Reservoirs. His ultimate favorite was fly fishing for rainbow trout at Bennet Springs State Park in Missouri and the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. He was always up for a fishing adventure, rain or shine.

Wayne is survived his loving wife, Judy Callen of Madison; his children, Lise Emch (Brent) of Olathe, Kansas, and Lee Callen (Heather) of Olathe, Kansas; his beloved grandchildren Bryse Emch (Audrey), Dillan Emch, Coral Callen, Caylee Callen, and Kamaiya Callen. Wayne is also survived by his sisters Wilma Marlar and Doris Mackey (Eric). Wayne will live on forever in the hearts and memories of all that loved and knew him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Esther Callen and brother James Callen.

A visitation will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM, followed by a funeral service on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:30 AM, both held at the First Christian Church, 316 Main St. Madison, Kansas. He will be laid to rest at Blakely Cemetery following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Madison American Legion and sent ℅ the VanArsdale Funeral Home, PO Box 488 Madison, KS 66860.