Gary Jahn Calender, 63, Hope

Gary Jahn Calender, 63, of Hope, lost his battle for life at 6:36 p.m. Saturday August 23, 2025.  He had been ill for 2 weeks and was in and out of ICU at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Born December 11, 1961 in Columbus he was the son of David Calender and Betty Newsom.

Gary was a story teller, lover of the outdoors and he felt right at home in the Hoosier National Forest.  He loved rock and roll and country music.  He loved his friends.  He was the life of every party and a part time comedian.  He showed up for his son when it counted and he was always a heck of a dad.  Gary will be missed by many and remembered by all of the lives that he’s touched in his 63 years on the earth.

Gary was employed as a caregiver for Help at Home in Seymour.  He cared for a client for several years whom he developed a close relationship with.

Survivors include son, Travis (Elizabeth) Calender of Columbus; grandchildren, Harrison Calender of Columbus, Virginia Lecklider, Dalton Jones, and Shirley Lecklider; siblings, Lynn (Cheryl) Calender of Kentucky, Nancy (Tim) Saylor of Hope, and Kenny (Abby) Calender of Clifford; and several nieces and nephews that he adored.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Nathan Calender; and many good friends from the Hope area.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a time of sharing memories at 5 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences can be expressed to the Calender Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.