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Virgil “Earl” Callender Jr. passed on to his eternal resting place on July 14, 2023. He was 73 years old. He was born to Virgil and Adrienne Callender on November 23, 1949. He lived in Bogalusa, Louisiana throughout the entirety of his life, growing up alongside his two older sisters, Judy Pritchard and Susan (Pat) McGehee.

He began work at the Bogalusa Paper Mill as soon as he finished high school and went on to retire when he was 62 years old. He always loved the outdoors and animals. He spent much of his free time hunting and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He had a small farm where he enjoyed raising goats and chickens. He had a knack for gathering everyone together to help in his garden. He would then delegate tasks as he saw fit and assign himself as supervisor, making sure he took very frequent breaks to watch everyone else work. He grew the best watermelons and the biggest pumpkins in Washington Parish according to him.

He always had a joke to tell and was a master storyteller. He passed on his love of animals to his children and his grandchildren. He loved cooking for his family and would always announce to them “Y’all are going to miss me when I’m gone.”

He wasn’t always right, even though he thought he was. But he was right about that.

He leaves behind two loving children Amy (Ryan) Ladner and Casey (Angela) Callender. Four wonderful grandchildren, Hunter Callender, Ashton Callender, Brady Ladner, and Emma Ladner. He will be missed by numerous relatives and lots of friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Kaye Callender as well as his mother and father. He leaves behind countless memories for

his friends and family to cherish. In his words, he “has gone on to see what’s next.”

He was one of a kind that’s for sure.

Per his request, no funeral will be held. Instead, the family will hold a private memorial at a later date.

To view and sign the guestbook go to pooleritchiefuneralhome.com