Doc Callaway, 77

Leeland “Doc” Austin Callaway, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 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 and Diane Parness; 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.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 4:00 to 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!!!

Donations in Doc’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.