Mr. Willard M. Callaway, age  91, of Jacksonville, IL, formerly of Kincaid, IL went to be with the lord at 10:00 P.M. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Heritage Hills Healthcare, Jacksonville, IL.

   Willard was born July 21, 1925, in Jeisyville, IL, next to the youngest son of Arthur, a coal miner, and Goldie Mae Thomas Callaway.  Arthur lived only until Willard and his twin brother, Wayne, were five years old.  In the depression, times were hard for everyone, let alone for a widow with seven children.  Willard, as so many of that time, had few material things, which included proper fitting shoes.    Willard served, as a medic, during the Korean War.  He married Norma J. Chernauski on June 27, 1953, in Taylorville, IL.  He worked at Continental Grain in Taylorville, IL. Until his retirement in 1983.  He was a member of Midland United Methodist Church in Kincaid, IL.    As an adult, Willard took many young boys under his wing, before “Big Brothers” was established.  He was known to find boys in the neighborhood who could use a male influence, and a new pair of shoes.  This social service heart maintained throughout his life.  Once; when his daughter, and granddaughter Jenna, were home for the day, the doorbell rang.  A young lad of about ten asked if “Willard could come out and play?”  For Willard was not only kind, but was also an outdoor kind of guy who exercised religiously, swam at the lake, and pitched fast pitch soft ball.  He was known to pass along his talents with these children in need.  This amazing man was one of few words, but his actions with family and boys in need, was a witness to all who were blessed to call him Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or friend.

   Surviving are his wife, Norma of Jacksonville, IL; daughter, Joann (Joe) McManus of Jacksonville, IL; grandchildren, Jenna (Buford) Stowers of Jacksonville, IL and James (Lauren) McManus of Temple, TX; a sister in law Bertie Callaway of Kincaid, IL; great grandchildren, Cooper Stowers and Brody Stowers and a great-great granddaughter Rose McManus

   He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, beloved twin, Wayne Callaway Sr., Kenneth “Tickles” Callaway and Thomas Callaway; sisters, Juanita Szolyar, Ella Johnson and Opal Herald.

   A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Masterson Funeral Home in Kincaid, IL.  Rev Sam Barger will officiate.  Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery at Taylorville, IL.  Visitation will be held for one hour before the services at Masterson Funeral Home. 

   Memorials in memory of Mr. Willard M. Callaway are suggested to the Midland United Methodist Church, Kincaid, IL.  OR  Heritage Health Employee Staff Christmas Party Fund.  

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