The cattle industry was stunned on Dec. 23 when news broke that Jarold Callahan, president of Express Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma, unexpectedly died. He was 69 years old and had been at Express Ranches, one of the world’s largest seedstock operations, for 27 years.
“Jarold was not only a dedicated leader but also a cherished friend of our family,” read a statement from Bob Funk, Sr., owner of Express Ranches. “His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for our ranching business played a pivotal role in its success and growth. Under his guidance, we have achieved significant milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years to come.”
Callahan was heavily involved in multiple segments of the cattle industry throughout his life. He previously worked as an assistant professor of animal science and coached the livestock judging team at Oklahoma State University. He also served as the executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association from 1991 to 1996. Callahan was as a member of the American Angus Association board of directors from 2004 through 2012, serving as president and chairman of the board in 2012. In 2023, he was inducted into the Saddle and Sirloin portrait gallery.
At the time of his death, Callahan was chairman of the Cattlemen’s Congress board. He was instrumental in getting the show started in Jan. 2021 after all the other major cattle shows were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Callahan’s unparalleled vision and unwavering devotion to the cattle industry were the driving forces behind the founding of Cattlemen’s Congress and evolving it into the ‘World’s Largest and Most Elite Show,’” read a statement from the Cattlemen’s Congress staff.
Visitation for Callahan will be in Vinita on Dec. 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held Dec. 29th at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, in Oklahoma City.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
