Ricky Dale Callaway

Ricky Dale Callaway, 67, formerly of Hutsonville, IL, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in the comfort of his home in Robinson, IL. He was born November 1, 1954, in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of Dale & Louise (Watson) Callaway. The son of a military man, he grew up all over the continental United States. His youth found him in Colorado, Virginia, and Texas before his family finally settled in Palestine, IL, in the mid-1960s. Soon after graduating from Palestine High School in 1972, "Dirthead" got on with the Illinois Central Railroad and would spend the rest of his career riding the rails as an engineer before retiring in the mid-1990s from the Indiana Railroad.

One of the great joys of his life was playing Old Kris Kringle himself on the Santa Train in Palestine. He didn't stop there but would dress up as Santa to bring joy to numerous schools, businesses, and residences over the course of 40 years. But that was just Rick. He was one of those rare souls who radiated life wherever he went. This colorful character would show up to his children's events in the most ridiculous outfits and was so loud and boisterous that he may or may not have been thrown out of a few games! On those occasions when he was working during a game, he would often stop the train next to the ball field and lay on the horn (much to the chagrin of his kids!) They will remember their dad as a teddy bear of sorts. Though this old biker appeared intimidating at first, underneath his tough-looking exterior was a kind, caring heart that exemplified the Golden Rule.

He was a member of numerous area organizations, including the Robinson Moose and Elks Lodges and the Palestine Fraternal Order of Eagles. A longtime and avid motorcyclist, he was also heavily involved with ABATE, having served as his chapter's president for a time. Over his life, he saw much on top of two wheels: he rode into the clouds in the Smoky Mountains, braved the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, NC, took in the sights at Bike Week, and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow bikers at Sturgis.

Back home, Rick enjoyed drawing and painting, leaving behind many treasured pieces for his loved ones to cherish. He also spent quite a bit of time outdoors, tending to his gardens. The man had a green thumb like you wouldn't believe and especially enjoyed growing unique plants like the night-blooming cereus. He shared his love of the outdoors with his grandchildren, having taken them to the fishing rodeo in Porterville for many years.

It has been said that the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything that comes their way. Rick Callaway lived an incredibly rich life founded not on circumstance but on the premise that life is what you make it. We are thankful that he made his a good one.

He married Kim Jones on June 2, 1979, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Rikki Callaway, Brittney Callaway & Kurtis Strohm, and Jordan Callaway; his grandchildren, Layne Haddix, Will Callaway, Avah Callaway, Noah Callaway, and Klaira Strohm; his mother, Louise Callaway; his siblings, Tonja Sheets, Bret & Sarah Callaway, and Bruce & Tina Callaway; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Callaway, as well as several uncles and other family members.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 17th, at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating the service. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to either the "Riley Hospital for Children" or the "Toys for Tots" program. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.