The Rev. Gerald ‘Jerry’ Calhoun

Published 10:49 am Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Calhoun, 78, died June 1, 2014. He was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Daviess County and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on May 20, 1961.

Father Calhoun was a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Lebanon, St. Maur Seminary in South Union and Brescia University in Owensboro. He received his principal certification in education from Western Kentucky University. 

Father Calhoun served the diocese of Owensboro in a number of assignments over the past 53 years. He was pastor of St. Sebastian in Calhoun, St. Joseph in Leitchfield, Holy Spirit in Bowling Green, St. Francis de Sales in Paducah and Christ the King in Madisonville. He also served at Owensboro Catholic High School as a teacher, dean of students and as principal for 10 years. 

In addition, he was principal of St. Mary High School in Paducah for four years. Bishop John McRaith appointed him as his vicar general, an office he held from 2002 until 2011. He also was a member of the clergy personnel board, the Priests’ Council, the Board of Consultors and a member of the board of trustees of Brescia University. After celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination in 2011, he retired as pastor of Christ the King and remained in the community as an active and beloved member of the faith community.

Survivors include two sisters, Mary Lucy Strehl and Martha Warren, both of Owensboro; three brothers, Julian (Charlotte) Calhoun of Newburg, Ind., Sherrell (Jeannie) Calhoun of Madisonville and James Robert Calhoun of Albuquerque, N.M.; and 23 nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Calhoun and Pauline Payne Calhoun; a sister, Juanita Calhoun Riney; a brother, James Henry Calhoun; and a nephew.

Funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Christ the King Church, with Bishop William Medley presiding and Father Joseph Mills preaching the homily.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Owensboro.

Memorials contributions may be made to Christ the King Church in Madisonville.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www. barnettstrother.com.