Former Congressman Sonny Callahan died Thursday at the age of 88. Born in 1932, Callahan, a Republican, represented Alabama’s First Congressional District from 1984-2003. Callahan was also a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1971-1979. He retired in 2003 after being elected to congress eight consecutive times. He was a Navy veteran and originally ran as a Democrat but switched to the Republican party after an unsuccessful run for Lt. Governor. Gov. Ivey ordered flags be lowered to half-staff at the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and in Callahan’s former district in south Alabama. They will stay at half-staff until his internment.
Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement, “It is with genuine sadness that I share the passing of longtime Congressman H.L. “Sonny” Callahan of Mobile. Congressman Callahan passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. Without question, Sonny’s service to Alabama and to America was unrivaled. He was one of South Alabama’s most beloved public servants, and his legacy of helping others stands out as just one of his many wonderful qualities.
“Our state and nation have lost a giant of a man. My thoughts and prayers are extended to Sonny’s family, friends, and longtime staffers. As such, I am directing the flags at the Alabama Capitol Complex, and the flags in AL-1 immediately be lowered until the day of his interment.”
Rep. Jerry Carl stated on Twitter, “My heart is heavy this morning as I learn of the passing of Congressman Sonny Callahan. Sonny was a mentor to me for years, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy of statesmanship and service to our country. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”
My heart is heavy this morning as I learn of the passing of Congressman Sonny Callahan. Sonny was a mentor to me for years, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy of statesmanship and service to our country. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time. https://t.co/fpzcrhrDZO
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) June 25, 2021
Rep. Mike Rogers stated, “We are mourning the passing of Fmr. Congressman Sonny Callahan. Beth and I send our prayers to his family and loved ones as they grieve.”
We are mourning the passing of Fmr. Congressman Sonny Callahan. Beth and I send our prayers to his family and loved ones as they grieve.
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) June 25, 2021
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Terry Lathan posted on Twitter, “Sonny was a friend and patriot who loved Alabama. He was a respected warrior for his district. He would pound a desk trying to get things done and right wrongs. Sonny was an iconic political activist that the Gulf Coast still owes deep gratitude for for his work.”
Sonny was a friend and patriot who loved Alabama. He was a respected warrior for his district. He would pound a desk trying to get things done and right wrongs. Sonny was an iconic political activist that the Gulf Coast still owes deep gratitude for his work. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/Z1VvbyN41U
— Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) June 25, 2021
