Everett Eldon ‘Smokey’ Callaway
(1918-2001)

Brother E. E. 'Smokey' Callaway, was born to Willie Lee and Mattie Estelle (Cooper) Callaway on October 19, 1918.  On October 3, 1996, at the young age of 78, he was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason at Cross Plains Lodge No. 627.  He was passed to Fellowcraft on April 17, 1997, and raised to Master Mason on June 5, 1997.

Bro. Smokey, the son of a Freemason, was visibly proud of his affiliation with Masonry.  He made it a priority to attend every meeting and practice, always willing to help and happy to serve in any capacity.  Despite a late start in the fraternity, in a relatively brief time he contributed more than many of greater seniority and longevity.  He served as Tiler in 1998-1999, Junior Deacon during 1999-2000 and was appointed Senior Deacon for 2001-2002..

    Brother Smokey's was a Mason's Mason, exemplary in conduct, enthusiasm, pride, and zeal for the fraternity.  He remains an inspiration to all who fortunate enough to know him.

The following was extracted from his obituary:  

CROSS PLAINS - Everett Eldon (Smokey) Callaway, 82, of Cross Plains, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 16, 2001, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 2001, at Higginbotham Chapel in Cross Plains, with Masonic Burial Services immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas.

Smokey was born in Wylie, Collin County, Texas, on Oct. 19, 1918. He moved with his family to Foard County, Texas in approximately 1923. He married Nina Maxine Lindsay on July 8, 1937 in Crowell, Texas. Maxine predeceased Smokey on December 16, 1977, along with a son, Max Everett Callaway in 1970. Following his retirement from Missouri Pacific Truck Lines in 1978, he moved to Cross Plains, where he began to farm and ranch. He married Virginia Long on May 10, 1980 in Cottonwood, Texas.

He was a member and deacon of the Cottonwood Baptist Church and the Cross Plains Masonic Lodge No. 627. For sixteen years he tirelessly emceed the Cottonwood Musical and continued to perform with his numerous harmonicas.

Smokey is survived by his wife, Virginia; three children, Rodney Callaway and Barbara of Cross Plains, Darlene Gilbert and Jerry of Gun Barrel City , and Jerry Callaway and Allie of Garland; three stepsons, Bill Long and Glenda of Fort Worth, Brett Long and Yvonne of Rifle, CO, and Blake Long and Kathy of Morrison, CO; two stepbrothers, Barney and Gerald Smith, both of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, Michael Callaway, Julie Murphy, Max Callaway, Jr., Kirk Parks, Deanne Hazlett, David Callaway, and Todd Callaway; four stepgrandchildren, Heather and Katy Long, Melanie Retana, and MacKenzie Long; seven great-grandchildren, Tori, Taylor, Josh, Amber, Reed, Austin and Nathan.