Joseph Lyons Callaway

Joe (Tiger) was the oldest of six children. His nickname 'Tiger' was given to him by mom because when she was pregnant, he was quite the kicker. She would often tell my dad she thought she had a 'Tiger' in the tank. Growing up with Joe couple things were consistent, he was always in charge, extremely competitive and always got to watch what he wanted on Saturday mornings. Even if we wanted cartoons, he would make us watch American Bandstand. Joe was very active in sports from a very young age. Just last week he was telling me the story of his first little league game where he hit the ball and ran right to third base instead of first base. And in fourth grade he hit a triple, first fourth grader to do that at his school. I guess he knew his time was coming soon because he told me to be sure to mention those two stories if he passed. Between church sports, high school football and basketball Joe played hard. I can honestly say he gave the football field and basketball court his all. I remember my father getting kicked out of a basketball game as Coach told my dad not to yell at the referees. He made lifelong friends in high school to this day meant the world to him. When Joe entered the work force, he excelled at every single job he had. His time at the Marriott and Pointe Hiltons, he exceeded expectations, won several awards as top sales manager not only in Arizona but nationally as well. He often would tell me stories of how he booked Harvey McKay and Tony Robins two of the largest convention the Hilton had ever hosted. Joe loved football and that passion led him to be on the Fiesta Bowl committee. He lived and breathed that roll for quite some time, he also won several awards in that roll and his work with on the Heisman committee brought him extraordinary joy. Man, there are so many stories from his time on the Fiesta Bowl that where so funny, crazy and almost unbelievable. Joes' presence lit it up every room he walked into. Joe had such a charismatic sarcastic charm that was felt by everyone he met. His smile was contagious; his laugh was vociferous. He just had a way about him that could make you laugh in the most serious situations. His humor, while sometimes painfully sarcastic it was funny. And if he called you 'Cowboy' you knew something was up. So many words to describe him, so many memories. His two daughters meant the world to him, Angela and Caileen were the light of his life. What is important to know is Joe loved hard, lived hard and laughed hard. There will never be another human like him, he truly broke the mold.

Joseph was survived by:

Joseph Lyons Callaway II - Father

Angela Marie Callaway - Daughter

Caileen Floie Callaway Childers - Daughter

Mike Callaway - Brother

Tausha Callaway - Sister in Law

Catrina Callaway - Sister

Tanya Callaway - Sister

Plus 41 nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his following family members:

Florence Callaway - Mother

John Callaway - Brother

Patrick Callaway - Brother

Funeral Mass will be held July 24th, 10:30 AM St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Phoenix. An internment will follow shortly at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery which is next to the veterans cemetery off Cave Creek. On 7/26 the Callaway family is hosting a celebration of life at 5:30 PM. Call a Callaway for the address.

The family is requesting that instead of flowers, donations be made to Life Choices Woman's Clinic. Donations can be made by check at 8326 North 7th Street Phoenix Arizona 85020 or online at pro-lifeArizona.com.