MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dearing, Posey, Gordon, Chaney, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF PIONEER OIL AND GAS BUSINESSMAN JOHN S. CALLON OF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, John S. Callon, a pioneer in Mississippi's oil and natural gas exploration and cofounder of Callon Petroleum in Natchez, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2006; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Callon began his career in 1950, building Callon Petroleum into a publicly traded New York Stock Exchange company with a market capitalization of $350 Million; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Callon, with his brother Sim Callon, drilled thousands of wells throughout the United States during their decades in business together, from California to Florida and from Texas to Michigan; and
WHEREAS, "he was a remarkable person who will be missed by all of us," stated Fred Callon, the company Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and nephew of John Callon. "He led our company for over half a century, through both challenging and triumphant times. We will always be indebted to him for the vision and leadership he provided"; and
WHEREAS, John Callon retired as Chief Executive Officer of the company in 1997 and as Chairman of the Board in 2004. During his many years in the business, he saw oil prices fall to $2.50 a barrel and soar to the recent highs above $60.00 a barrel; and
WHEREAS, Natchez Attorney and former State Representative Walter Brown said Callon Petroleum might easily have moved to a larger city, such as Houston, Texas, "but John Callon loved Natchez and Mississippi. He had an intense pride in it," Brown said; and
WHEREAS, John Callon was well-known in the community not only as a business leader but also as a participant in civic affairs and for the role, along with his wife, of preserving the Natchez Antebellum House Melrose; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Callon was a 1937 graduate of Natchez High School. He enlisted in the Navy at the outbreak of World War II and saw action in both the European and Pacific Theaters; and
WHEREAS, survivors include: wife, Betty R. Callon of Natchez; two daughters: Carol A. Callon (Jim Iannarone) of Katy, Texas, and Anna C. Callon (John Ayers) of Washington, D.C.; two sons: D. Cane Callon (Susan W.) of Natchez, and John Chase Callon (Mitzi J.) of Natchez; one brother: Sim C. Callon (Vera D.) of Natchez; two nephews: Sim C. Callon, Jr., of Natchez, and Fred L. Callon (Karen G.) of Natchez; ten grandchildren: Shane McArthur, Callon Harrison, Ben Fuqua, Daniel Fuqua, John Callon II, Ben Callon, William Callon, Kristy Callon, Coleman Ayers and David Ayers; and three great-grandchildren: Brennen McArthur, Dalton McArthur and Mary Cameron McArthur; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this icon in the oil and gas exploration industry whose civic and humanitarian contributions to his community and state are a matter of record:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of pioneer oil and gas businessman John S. Callon of Natchez, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Callon and be made available to The Natchez Democrat and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.