Obituary for Lee Callaway

Lee Callaway

(July 2, 1949 – May 21, 2016)

On the afternoon of May 21st, 2016, Lee Callaway, 66, died unexpectedly, but peacefully while on vacation in Nashville, Tennessee. His wife and daughters were by his side.

Lee was born in Muskogee, OK on July 2nd, 1949, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Hubert Callaway. He was raised in Seminole, OK. Growing up, he enjoyed golf, hot rod cars and excelled at tennis. He graduated Seminole High School in 1967. He continued his education while also playing tennis at Kemper Military Academy in Boonesville, MO and Oklahoma State University.

After college, Lee moved to Springdale, Arkansas. During his seven years there, he worked in real estate and was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amy and Lisa. He spent many weekends boating and waterskiing on Beaver Lake. The crystal clear lakes and lush, green mountains inspired his life-long love of the Ozarks. Even after moving from the area, he returned frequently to camp, fly-fish and take in the beautiful scenery. Lee passed down his love of the Ozarks to his family by planning fun-filled vacations to the Branson area. He loved watching his grandchildren’s excitement as they enjoyed the rides together at Silver Dollar City, and cheered on the North at The Dixie Stampede.

Longing to be closer to family, Lee moved to Ponca City, OK in 1980, and began his career with Conoco. It was there that he met Gaynell Kerr, whom he absolutely adored. They married in1995 in Cedarvale, KS. Throughout his long career, he held many positions, including shipping and receiving manager, environmental safety coordinator, and procurement specialist. Lee’s last project in Ponca City was procuring all of the equipment and materials to build the Gas to Liquids pilot plant. After it’s successful completion, he transferred to Houston, Texas and took on contracting and procurement for the lower 48 states production. Not only did he have a reputation for being dependable, punctual and industrious, he was also known to have a mischievous side, often surprising co-workers with friendly office pranks.

Though he loved the professional sports, country music concerts and restaurants of Houston, Lee requested a final transfer to Bartlesville, OK, to be closer to family again. After 28 years with Conoco, he retired in 2009, and took on a new role: grandparent. It was his greatest joy. Lee was always known for having the greenest lawn on the block, most organized garage in town, and the cleanest automobiles outside of the showroom floor. When he wasn’t piddling around in his garage, or washing cars in the driveway, he loved to spend time in his backyard; grilling, gardening and making ice cream with his grandchildren.

After retirement, Lee kept busy by touring every state in the nation on his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After accomplishing that goal, he and Gaynell set their sights on exploring America by travel trailer. They camped at RV parks throughout the Southwest last year, and spent six weeks camping in the Southeast this spring.

Lee is survived by his wife, Gaynell; daughters and sons-in-law Amy and Donnie Wachtman and Lisa and Aaron Watson. He was “Grampy” to his four precious grandchildren Carter, Katie, Isla and Posey, who truly were the light of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28th at 2:00pm at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City, OK with Pastor Robert Montgomery officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (http://nationalmssociety.org).

Source: Trout Funeral Home