Elton Wayne Callender

(Elton) Wayne Callender was born May 21, 1934 in Stockdale, Texas along with a twin brother, Alton Will who preceded him in death. The Lord called Wayne home on September 19, 2025 after various illnesses the last couple years and was now beginning a battle with cancer. He was one of 8 children and was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Callender and Alma (Hobbs) Callender, two sisters, Jewell Peters and Joyce Callender, four brothers, Wilburn, Shelton, Ed and his twin, Alton Will.

Wayne was blessed with two children, a son, Darwin (Bo), and a daughter, Stacy Lyne both of whom have given him a total of 5 grandchildren and some step grandchildren as well. In addition, he was blessed with some great grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46+ years, Helen (Fenske) Callender, his son, Darwin (Bo) and wife, Sherry, daughter, Stacy and husband Ryan, grandchildren Brandi, Krystal, Mason, Kayla and Ashlyn, several step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, Jaxon and Raelynn along with several step great grandchildren. He also has one brother, Preston Callender, sisters-in-law, Barbara Callender, Erna Thielemann and husband, Clarence and Martha Huebner in addition to nephews, nieces and other relatives.

Wayne grew up on a farm in Stockdale, Texas where their principal crops were peanuts and watermelons. He, his twin brother, Will, and younger brother, Preston, took over the farm at the early age of 15 when his father passed away with heart problems. Many times, he was sent to help neighbors plant or harvest their crops in order to help the family financially.

Even though Wayne spent much time in the fields, he found time to play football while attending Stockdale High School. After graduating from high school, he worked at an Humble Oil gas station and after deciding this was not his goal in life, he moved to San Antonio and started his sales career. He worked in some type of sales and mainly wholesale food business most of his life. While in San Antonio, he worked for Kraft Foods and M & M Sales. He then decided to move to Houston where he continued his food sales career and worked for Leo's Meats, Longhorn Foods, Southwest Foods and ended his career working with Adams Spices and Extracts. He retired in 1999 after working for Adams about 20 years. He also picked up jobs on the side to supplement his income.

After Wayne retired, he enjoyed woodworking and gardening when not doing some work at the church. He slowly increased the size of his garden each year to about ½ acre which was the maximum size his wife would allow. He had a spring garden and fall garden and set up a "Produce Stand" in front of the barn where he sold vegetables to the public. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the people that stopped by and made many new friends over the years. It appeared he had made a full circle - from growing watermelons at home when growing up to growing watermelons in his garden in retirement. The only difference was that he did it in order to have something to eat while growing up but then did it for enjoyment during his retirement years.

He enjoyed hunting and playing sports. He looked forward to the opening of deer season every year and played softball and volleyball in the Houston city leagues where he met his wife, Helen. They enjoyed camping with friends and enjoying the outdoors when not working in the garden. He also enjoyed serving as Trustee for many years in the church. He was outgoing, never met a stranger and was always willing to help when needed.

Wayne's services will be held at St. John Lutheran church located at 15235 Spring Cypress Rd in Cypress on September 23, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial following at St. John Lutheran Cemetery located at 19520 Cypress Church Road in Cypress. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Cemetery Association.