Date of Death: December 7, 2022
Service Details
A celebration of Doc’s life will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Please feel free to wear your favorite team gear. We know he’d appreciate it. Go Blue!!!
Obituary Notice
Leeland “Doc” Austin Callaway, 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the Bowman Place. He was born in Ann Arbor on August 7, 1945 the son of the late Walter Callaway and Betty Jane (Sherwood) Biggers.
Doc graduated from Lincoln High School and later served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S. Hamner where he was active in Vietnam. He eventually moved from the east side of the state to Three Rivers where he began working as a tool and die maker for General Motors (later American Axle) before retiring after 43 years.
Doc played every sport you could think of and was competitive in them all. From High School well into his adult years, Doc played basketball, hockey, bowling, golfing, and slow pitch softball where he won national titles and traveled the country, and eventually adding his sons to his teams. Sports have been a huge part of his life and he has made friends into family over his long athletic career.
He enjoyed attending all sporting events, especially his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Tigers. He could hold conversations about athletes and teams from all over the country, past and present. Doc was also a huge supporter of local high school athletics and attended many events. Not only was he an avid supporter of athletics, he coached numerous teams on multiple levels, winning state championships and the hearts of his athletes.
Doc had the biggest heart and would give you the shirt off his back. He had tons to share as he collected t-shirts from everywhere he went. He absolutely loved taking people to the Big House for their first time and is the biggest wolverine fan around. We’re sure a lot of people remember his Michigan van.
Remaining to cherish Doc’s memory are his daughter, Kimberlee (Brad) Hoercher; son, Jon (Mitzi) Krause; son, Jeff (Wendy) Krause; son, Tony (Tracie) Callaway; grandchildren, Blade, Kendall, Kelsee, Payton, Rhyeli, Lucan and Berkeley; sisters, Sandy (Bob) Callaway, Diane Parness, and Jennifer (John) Lindsay Sutton; aunt, Mary Ann Parker and his cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Walter Callaway; mom, Betty Biggers; and brother David Callaway.
Additional Information
Donations in Doc’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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We were friends since kindergarten at Lincoln Consolidated Shool. Lee was always a nice person and very easy to get along with. He loved to play sports and I never saw him get upset with anyone else. He just was a pleasure to be around all through school. I loved reading about his life experiences and just know that he lived it the way he waited to as long as he could. I don’t think Lee had anyone that didn’t like him. We need more people like Lee in this world. I’m very glad he will suffer no longer and I think he’s coaching in a better place…
I will never forget him…
Gary Sadler
Sending prayers to all of Lee (aka Doc’s) family, friends, and loved one’s. He is a very special person that will be missed by many. I’ll always cherish the fun times we had together. Rest in peace my friend. No more pain and suffering. I love you dearly. I hope you are resting in the arms of all your dearly departed loved one’s. You will be greatly missed. Love Cher Cook
Another one of our classmates passes away, you were loved and will be missed.
You were a good man Lee
So sad to hear of my good friends passing. I was fortunate to have known Lee for over 40 years. There were few dull moments when Lee was part of the festivities, like UM football, golfing trips to Myrtle Beach or just hanging out. My deepest condolences to Lee’s family! Rest in peace my friend.
Always enjoyed going to Many MICHIGAN FB Games riding in the Coolest Michigan Van around when you were with DOC there was never a Dull moment I will always Cherish the times I spent with DOC he will be missed but never forgotten so Michigan WIN it for DOC he will definitely be up in heaven watching all Decked out in Maze n BLUE so RIP my Good friend n GO BLUE 💙💙💙
My Deepest Sympathy,
Arlene Parsons LEC
Bowman Place
I have to say this….
GO GREEN… MSU.
See Lee I got the last word in!
I am so sorry for the loss of you Dad. He was a great Dad ,grandfather, and friend to many..
I know how much you will miss him. In the words of Dr Seuss May you find comfort,” Death ends a life; Not a relationship.” Hugs and prayers ❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽
So very sorry for your loss, May he RIP.
I am so sorry to here of Lees passing he was a very dear high school friend
I’m so sorry to hear of Docs passing. I met doc many years ago at Three Rivers Inn where they did karaoke. Being the kind and great man he was we became instant friends. It was always a great time anytime doc was involved. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sending prayers for strength and comfort.
So sorry for your loss Jeff and jon prayers are with you and your family your dad was a true gentleman and a one heck of a softball player and loved playing against him and with him … He will always be remembered.. from (spider)
Long time friend and teammate, I considered him my best friend and I will miss him dearly!
For some time Doc lived at Bentwaters Apartments. I do maintenance here and have known him for a long time, like everyone else. One day he says, ” Gibby, I’ve got something for you” It was a Tigers signed home run baseball from Ian Kinsler at spring training. He knew that he was my favorite player at the time and just said take it. He will be missed greatly. Rest in peace my friend.
Always enjoyed talking to Lee he was a very good man. Played City League basketball with him back in the 80’s and early 90’s. He will be missed by many.