David Crockett Callaway, Jr.
September 16, 1932 ~ September 20, 2023
David Crockett Callaway, Jr., of Palestine, Texas, joined his beloved wife in Heaven on Wednesday, the 20th day of September 2023. Mr. Callaway passed away at Legacy at Town Creek at the age of 91. He was born in Palestine, Texas on the 16th day of September 1932, to parents David Crockett Callaway and Mamie Shirey Callaway.
Mr. Callaway served his country with distinction as a member of the United States Army. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, demonstrating the courage and resolve that were hallmarks of his character. His skills as a marksman led him to his place on the military rifle team, where he represented his country with pride and honor.
After retiring from the military, Mr. Callaway obtained his master's degree and embarked on a second career as a teacher, where he was able to share his knowledge and experience with future generations. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he remained a simple and humble man, always prioritizing service to others over personal accolades.
Mr. Callaway was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, and he found great joy in sharing it with others. His love for reading Bible scripture was infectious, passing on his love and knowledge to his family. As a member of the Gideons International, he dedicated himself to spreading the message of Jesus, embodying the organization's mission through his actions and words.
His interests were wide and varied, but perhaps none brought him more joy than listening to Big Band Music. His love for music encouraged him to begin learning to play the piano during retirement. Alongside his beloved wife Miyoko, he was an avid ballroom dancer. Their grace and elegance on the dance floor were a sight to behold, reflecting the deep love and respect they held for one another.
Mr. Callaway was also a dedicated family man. He was a doting husband to his wife of 67 years, Miyoko Callaway, before her passing, a loving father to his children John Callaway and wife Wanda, of Tyler, Texas, Bill Callaway and Judy Johnson, of Palestine, Texas, and Pat Callaway, of Ft. Worth, Texas. He was a cherished grandfather to Jedidiah Callaway and wife Samantha, Michelle McDaniels and husband Will, and Meredith Glover and husband Jason. His legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren Makenzie, Madison, and Gabe, who will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and steady love.
In addition to his immediate family, Mr. Callaway will be missed by his siblings and their families, his church family, and many friends.
Mr. Callaway is preceded in death by his parents David and Mamie Callaway, wife Miyoko Callaway, and his grandson, John Michael Callaway.
In his passing, we remember not just the facts of Mr. Callaway's life, but the impact he had on those around him. He was a man of integrity, courage, and love, and his life was a testament to these qualities. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a lasting tribute to a life well lived.
A funeral service to celebrate David Callaway's life is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 23rd day of September 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Tony Watson officiating the service. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Roselawn Park.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.
Funeral services for David Crockett Callaway, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
Please visit his online memorial tribute wall, where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Mr Calloway was my bus driver and he was my teacher at Elkhart Elementary. He was a Great Teacher!! He will be missed by many. RIP ðŸ™ðŸ•Šï¸ðŸ™
Mr.Callaway was a great 5th grade teacher. He was one of my favorites. His memory is cherished. He did make learning fun and interesting to me. This great man did leave his mark in the lives of many children. My deepest condolences and sympathies to his family.
My condolences to Pat, Bill, and John. Both your parents were kind, loving people. I remember them both fondly. God Bless.
Oh, how I loved Mr. Callaway! He was my 5th grade teacher, and then he taught at the school where I did my student teaching. Later on, we were both members of the same church and I was thrilled to be able to visit with him and Miss Miki on Sundays. He was the perfect example of what a “gentleman” should be. I know your family will miss both of them terribly, but I hope in your grief, healing will take place to know they were cherished by many. Thank you for sharing him with so many students and community through his many years of service in every area!
My greatest memory of Mr. Callaway….October 1974, a tornado is looming outside, then, he, being the calmest man on earth, pulled the blinds and continued to teach. 🙂 We all survived with no panic at all. He also taught us to play chess. He had wonderful sons and the most talented wife. He will always be remembered and forever missed.
MeLissa Easley Nemecek
I loved Mr. Callaway and the passion he had for his students, what he taught, and how he lived. He inspired me to love History in the 5th grade and still love it to this day. What a sweet, gentle soul he was. Thank you guys for sharing him with us for all those years. Sending up prayers for you as you go through this time of grief.
Mr. Callaway was a wonderful example to so many! I was so blessed to have him as my 5th grade teacher and loved him dearly! I was also blessed to have the opportunity from time to time to visit with him and Mrs. Callaway in Wal-Mart. I know he will be greatly missed, but know that he is dancing joyously in heaven with our Savior.