The father of former Saluki baseball coach Dan Callahan and Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos passed away suddenly Monday morning.
Friends of 80-year-old Gene Callahan say the former democratic political adviser and lobbyist for Major League Baseball died of a heart attack. According to the Quad City Times, Callahan attended a fundraiser Sunday for his daugher Cheri Bustos, who is seeking re-election in Illinois' 17th Congressional District.
Callahan served as a reporter in Springfield for 10 years, he was also the press secretary for Paul Simon when he was Lt. Governor. Current Lt. Governor and Paul's daughter, Sheila Simon, says she will miss Callahan's political advice. Simon says Callahan remained a trusted political advisor up until his death.
Callahan also worked on Alan Dixon's staff when he was state treasurer, secretary of state and a U.S. senator. He spoke at Dixon's funeral last month. Callahan was a member of the SIU board of trustees from 2000-2003. A celebration of Callahan's life is planned for Friday in Springfield.
