Billy Ralph "Poppy" Callens

Billy Ralph "Poppy" Callens

Billy Ralph "Poppy" Callens, 81, of Sulphur passed away at 6:55 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in his residence.

Mr. Callens was born on June 19, 1944 in Belmont, LA where he was raised and graduated from Belmont High School in 1962. He began his academic journey at Northeastern University, later graduating from Northwestern University in 1967 with degrees in biology, chemistry, and physics. In 1974, he earned a master's degree in education from McNeese State University, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to shaping young minds.

His career in education took root in Sulphur, Louisiana, with the Calcasieu Parish School Board. He taught science and coached basketball at Sam Houston High School before moving to Westlake High School, where he served as basketball coach, assistant principal, and later principal. While there, he played a key role in starting the school's first baseball team, a legacy that still lives on.

A natural leader and tireless advocate for student success, he later moved into the central office of Calcasieu Parish School Board as a supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. He was ultimately named the first Expulsion Hearing Officer for Calcasieu Parish, where he was instrumental in developing and enforcing the parish's "Zero Tolerance" policy.

He was a proud member of the Louisiana Teachers Retirement Association and an active contributor to his community in ways both big and small. For more than two decades, he and the Lucky Leprechaun Marching Club organized trips for local residents to travel to New Orleans for the beloved St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl for more than 20 years - one of his favorite times of the year.

When not serving his community or coaching from the sidelines, you could find him where he was happiest: fishing daily at his camp in Hackberry, LA, hunting in the quiet of the woods, or enjoying a well-earned happy hour among friends. A social butterfly by nature, he was known for his storytelling that could quiet a room and keep it entertained for hours.

Fondly known as "Uncle Bill" he lived fully, laughed loudly, and loved deeply and he will be missed beyond words.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Mary S. Clayton Callens; children, Teri Callens, Toni LaFleur, and Kassie Coltrin; step children, Garon Dugas (Lori), Byron Dugas (Kelli), and Amber Aymond (Nick); grandchildren, Emily Scuderi (Nick), Josh Goleman, Amber Carruth (Gavin), Cameron "Greg" LaFleur (Taylor), and Kole Goleman; and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hollys and Ralph Callens and his sister, Judy Collins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel in Sulphur. Chuck Hansen will officiate. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines-South in Carlyss. Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net