Jeffery Dean Callaway

Jeffery Dean Callaway, age 62, of Iola, Kansas, passed away on April 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well lived. He was born on July 5, 1963, in Iola, Kansas, the son of James and Forcine (Gibbons) Callaway. Jeff grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1981. He carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness with him throughout his life, and those who knew him best will remember him as a loving, generous, and handy man who could be counted on in any situation. In 1987, Jeff married the love of his life, Aimee Williams at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola, Kansas. Jeff spent much of his working life in maintenance, where his skill and dependability were deeply appreciated. He worked in the Maintenance Department at Herff Jones for 25 years and later gave 10 years of service to Tramec-Sloan. He was known as a “Jeff of all trades”, a fitting description for a man who could make and create nearly anything asked of him. He had a natural ability to fix, build, and improve, and he took pride in using his hands and his mind to help others. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and valued the friendships and fellowship that came with being part of that community. Jeff enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and found joy in the things that mattered most to him. He loved fishing, spending time with his family, and traveling, especially trips to the beach. He was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and he enjoyed watching both with enthusiasm. He also loved spending time in the garage, tinkering on various projects and staying busy with whatever needed attention. Family was at the center of Jeff’s life. He is survived by his wife, Aimee (Williams) Callaway; his daughter, Caitlyn Holzrichter and her husband Justin of Burrton, Kansas; his brother, Joe Callaway; his sisters, Missie Scott, Teresa Murphey, and Carol Settlermyer; his grandchildren, Abram and Dalli Holzrichter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and the many ways he touched their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Forcine (Gibbons) Callaway; and his brothers, James Jr. and Steve Callaway. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried his family heritage with pride. Jeffery Dean Callaway will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous spirit, and the quiet, steady way he cared for those around him. He lived a life marked by love, usefulness, and devotion to family and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will continue to be felt in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Following Jeff’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home and a Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rookie’s On the Square, in Iola, KS 66749. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jeff’s name to the Jeff Callaway Memorial Scholarship.

Jeffery Dean Callaway

July 5, 1963 - April 3, 2026