Cecil (Tom) H. Callihan, Jr., age 74 of The Woodlands, TX, passed away at home Monday, August 29th , 2022, from complications of prostate cancer. Hospice assisted the family.

Cecil was born on August 2, 1948, to Cecil H. and Alice Ione (Ritchie) Callihan in Houston, TX. He graduated from Lutheran South Academy and shortly after became a proud U.S. Marine. He joined the Houston Fire Department in January 1973 and tested his way into the Houston Arson Bureau. He retired from HAB/HFD January 16, 2003 at the rank of Assistant Chief Investigator and started working the very next day for the Harris County Fire Marshal's office as Deputy Chief until retiring January 31, 2011. He investigated over 9000 fires and because of his extensive knowledge served as an expert witness in several criminal trials. He also attended Houston Community College earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Arson Investigation Technology.

He married Virginia Swonke, the mother of his three older children and Janell Zirbel, the mother of his three younger children.

Cecil was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, a licensed Texas REALTOR®, lover of all sports, especially baseball, high school and college football, an avid gun collector, motorcycle rider, fisherman and bbq expert. He was proud of his early American heritage and especially his being a member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Sims and niece Roberta Sims.

He is survived by his wife, Janell, of The Woodlands, daughters Jennifer and Caitlin, sons Kevin Callihan, T. Michael Callihan, Braeden Callihan, Brendan Callihan, stepsons Cory Zirbel and Cody Zirbel; sister Catherine Adkins; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be from 3:30 to 5:30pm Saturday, September 17 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 S. Panther Creek Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381. A short gathering in the church will be followed by refreshments in the celebration hall. Interment of cremains will be at a later date.