Burdette Callaway
Burdette Callaway Obituary
Burdette "Bur" LeRoy Callaway, 74, passed away from this life on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Jewell County Hospital in Mankato, Kansas. He was born November 13, 1943, in Jewell County. Bur was the youngest child of Jake and Ila (Graham) Callaway. He attended school in Esbon, graduating from Esbon High School with the class of 1961. Burdette enjoyed all sports, but excelled in the sport of basketball.
Burdette was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janie L. (Peroutek) Callaway on April 25, 1964, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon, Kansas. Together, they lived in Jamestown for a short time before returning home to Esbon, where they lived for just over 50 years. Burdette and Janie celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014. To this union, they were blessed with 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Among the things Burdette enjoyed most was being involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He loved attending as many school and sporting activities as possible, and he cherished time spent with his family. Bur was always happiest when he was outdoors. From years of working at Esbon Grain Company from dawn till beyond dusk, to building fence all over the surrounding area, to hours upon hours of mowing for family, friends and neighbors, he would always give you a smile and a wave as your path crossed his. Burdette loved the Esbon community, and he served his community as a Lion's Club member, volunteer fire-fighter and snow removal worker. He was always quick to respond to others in need and lend a helping hand. His family all agree that Burdette never knew a stranger, and a stranger was better for knowing him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Dick Callaway; and a nephew, Charles "Chuck" Callaway.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Janie, of Belleville, Kansas; daughter, Janette (Duane) Wedel of Minneapolis, Kansas; son David (Leigh) of Belleville, Kansas; daughter Paula (Ron) Hancock of Mankato, Kansas; son Brian (Jody) of Belleville, Kansas; and son Brett Callaway of Glen Elder, Kansas. Adored grandchildren include Logan and Sydney Wedel, Tyson, Hillary, Madison, Spencer, Tate, Hayden and Ellie Callaway, Jessica and Maci Hancock, Cole (Liz), Caden, and Clint Callaway, Kelby and Shandi Callaway; and a great-grandson, Cooper Callaway.
Funeral services were Saturday, 2:00 p.m., January 13, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon with Fr. David Micheal officiatinhg. Interment was at St. Elizabeth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Burdette Callaway Memorial Fund.
Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Burdette Callaway, please visit our floral store.
