Heaven harvested the soul of Lenard Callaway as the waning harvest moon approached Orion. He was in the company of family and caregivers near Forney, Texas.

He was born in Hulsey Community, near Holdenville Oklahoma, attended Moss School and excelled in spelling, basketball and baseball. Lenard served in the Oklahoma National Guard and then the U.S. Navy, spending eighteen months in the South Pacific, during WWII.
Lenard moved to Midwest City, OK in 1947 where he was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Midwest City serving there as a Deacon, and teaching fourth and sixth grade boys, as well as, Senior Adults. He showed great devotion to his children, keeping his family together, after the death of his wife Margie, raising them alone, participating in school activities like PTA, Band Parents, and attending as many of their events as possible. He coached basketball and baseball for his church and the YMCA leagues, leading the 1st Church RA Boys to a state championship in 1957. Mr. Callaway was a carpenter. After retirement he volunteered with the Baptist Brotherhood, building or repairing several churches; continued his love for fishing; and took up golf. Mr. Callaway spent his last years near his son in Texas, where his wonderful caregivers described him as sweet, precious, and funny, while always serving his Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Dolly Callaway, siblings Gladys, Millie, Bud, Tennie, Emet, Glen, Pat, Jocie, and Rena; wives Margie, Nan, and Winnie; and grandson Michael Jr.

Lenard is survived by siblings Lennie, Dortha, and Wilma; his children Patricia Bolz, Tony Callaway, and Michael Callaway; five grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter and an extended family throughout the U.S.

Visitation is Monday, September 26, 2016, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunny Lane Funeral Home. Service Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 10:00 a.m., First Baptist Church of Midwest City, 705 E. Rickenbacker Drive, Midwest City, Oklahoma.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunny Lane Funeral Home, Del City, OK.

Published in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, September 25, 2016, Page 19A.