Jerry D. Callaway

Jerry D. Callaway, 84, of Robinson, IL, passed away on May 25, 2022, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. He was born on March 26, 1938, in Charleston, IL, the son of Sylvan & Edna (McNamer) Callaway. He grew up in the Palestine area and was a 1956 graduate of Palestine High School. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force at Hamilton Air Force Base in California, serving in the 78th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron.

His training would be of great benefit to Jerry throughout his illustrious career. Over the years, he managed and was a consultant for numerous electronics plants all over the world. This led him from California and Mexico to Hong Kong and China, all the way back home to Crawford County, where he was instrumental in starting Standard Grigsby in Oblong and Jakel Motors in Palestine. It could be said that the only thing he was better at than business was electronics. In short, there was hardly anything the man couldn't fix!

Though he was professionally well-versed, Jerry also knew how to blow off some steam! When living in California, he, his wife, Karen, and their young family were known to snow ski, water ski, and camp all throughout the region. These outings provided them with many dear and impactful memories. Anyone who knew him could attest to Jerry's love of dirt track racing as well. Out west, he sped along the Petaluma and Antioch Speedways and was a local staple at the Stoy and Charleston tracks. He passed on his love of motorsport to his two sons, Rick and Mike, who took up their father's mantle and did him proud every race.

He did, in fact, attend every race his sons took part in and was also a constant supporter of his grandchildren and their extra-curricular activities. His family could speak to the love he so abundantly gave in every arena of life. Though he could be strict, his standards were what made him a self-made man and provided a foundation for his loved ones to thrive.

Jerry Callaway lived an incredibly fulfilling life, and his memory will forever beckon us to do the same, leaving a lasting legacy behind in our hearts and in our lives.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen (Benedetti) Callaway; by his children, Richard Dale "Rick" & Jolene Crippes-Callaway (Palestine, IL) and Michael Dean "Mike" & Allyson Callaway (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Cameron Callaway, Courtney & Derick Davidson; and by his great-granddaughter, RaeLynn Davidson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Emerson Callaway and Dale Callaway; and his sisters, Chloe Callaway (in infancy) and Beaulah Beecher.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27th at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, IL, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.