Kevin Callaway

Kevin Ray Callaway, 74 of Whitten, Iowa passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Services for Kevin will take place on Friday, January 16 at 10:30 A.M. at the Whitten Community Church with a visitation on Thursday, January 15 from 5 P.M.- 7 P.M at Mitchell Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Benson Cemetery, rural Whitten. Memorials may be directed to Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Kevin and his family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Kevin was the second of three sons, born to Ray and Arlene Callaway, on September 25, 1951, in Eldora, IA. Growing up on a farm NE of Whitten, Kevin and his brothers hunted, fished, rode motorcycles and got into mischief together. Their lives were rich and carefree; they continued to play together into adulthood both on the slow-pitch softball field and at numerous fishing holes. His childhood memories were marked with annual family stays at the Iowa State Fair.

Kevin graduated from Union-Whitten High School Class of 1969 and shortly after married Charlene “Jo” Freed at the Iowa River Church of the Brethren and together they made a life filled with love. They were blessed with two sons Chad and Ryan.

Early in the marriage Kevin worked for three local farmers – earning a living for their young family. In 1976 they moved to Whitten so Kevin would be close to his work at Hauser Implement. He loved his job and the people he worked for, cementing lasting bonds of friendship. Hauser’s was sold to Titan Machinery in 2007 where he worked for six years, retiring in 2019 from Central Iowa Farm Store in Marshalltown. When it came to parts, Kevin was a master, he could locate every part bin from memory.

Kevin supported his community through service in the Whitten Fire Department, Union Ambulance crew, Whitten mayor and city council as well as the Whitten Community Church Council. His dedication to the church was untiring and he was always willing to offer a helping hand to complete any project.

Kevin and Jo shared a love for nature, camping, hiking and visiting national parks. He cherished a special trip in 2022 to Grand Marais with Jo, his boys and his daughters-in-law, hiking trails, climbing rocks and watching sunsets. His love of sports carried over into the enjoyment of his kids and grandkids activities. Even though he was a quiet spectator, he was their biggest fan, always willing their success and ensuring they had a Gatorade in hand. In the hearts of his grandkids, he will always be remembered for his special bowls of ice cream, running to see the train carrying two or three of them in his arms and their first “Driver’s Ed” instruction while sitting on his lap!

Left to forever treasure his memory, his wife; two sons, Chad (Shauna) Callaway of Conrad and Ryan (Shannan) Callaway of Marshalltown; five grandchildren Maxwell (Madison) Callaway of Conrad, Olivia (Tommy) Kuhl of Gladbrook; Alexa (Garrett) Groth of Gladbrook; Angus (Presley) Callaway of Conrad; Ray Callaway of Conrad; three great-grandchildren, Crew and Judson Callaway; and Harvey Kuhl; and brother Jim (Tammy) Callaway of Marshalltown. 

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Arlene, and his brother Dennis Callaway.

Kevin will be remembered by many for his quiet strength, sincere kindness, unwavering love for his family, and his deeply rooted faith.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Iowa River Hospice and Oakview Nursing Home for their compassionate care.