The Protection Methodist church was filled to capacity for funeral rites held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 for Robert Wayne Callaway, who passed away Wednesday evening at Wichita.Rev. G. E. Robey, of the Baptist church, officiated at the service, and was assisted by Rev. Robert Haines, Methodist minister.
Pallbearers were Gerald Teter, Robert Sanger, Howard Tobias, DeWayne Herd, Herbert Rafler, and Paul Edmonston.
A male quartet composed of Rev. Haines, Dr. L. G. Glenn, Sidney Brown and Robert Helman, sang three hymns, "Does Jesus Care," "Someday We'll Understand," and "Goodnight and Good Morning." Mrs. Lewis Hopkins was organist.
Members of the American Legion participated in the service and conducted military rites at the cemetery.
Interment was made in the Coldwater cemetery.
Mrs. Callaway was formerly Miss Naurine Hackney who lived in the New Eden neighborhood and went to the Wilmore schools. Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Callaway by all her friends of this community.
Obituary Robert Wayne Callaway son of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Callaway was born Oct. 26, 1920. Departed this life May 12 1948 at the age of 27 years, 6 months and 16 days.
He attended the Comanche County Schools and graduated from the Protection High School in 1939. At Ponca City, Okla., in 1921 he was converted and united with the Baptist Church to which he was a faithful member until death. He worked as a apprentice at the Miles funeral home with his uncle Everett Miles. He also was employed by L. A. Attaberry, and in August of 1942 he entered the United States Army serving with the 92nd Chemical Warfare Division. In May of 1943 he was sent overseas and served in the North African and Italian campaigns, returning to the United States in Nov. of 1945.
On Dec. 16th, 1945 he was united in marriage to Norine Hackney at her home in Wilmore, Kans. They moved to Wichita, Kans., the following February making their home at 1715 East 23rd, and for the past two years he was employed by the South West Serum Co., working as a technician in the laboratory.
Wayne was a loving husband and devoted to his mother, sisters and brothers. The way he lived his life proved him a friend to all.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Norine, his mother, Mrs. P. M. Callaway; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Gilbert and Mrs. Vera Minnich of Boise City Idaho; two brothers, Orlando and Ellis of Protection; 5 nieces and two nephews. His father and a brother and sister preceded him in death. He also leaves a host of friends who are saddened by his passing.
Word reached Coldwater late Wednesday evening that Wayne Callaway of Wichita, husband of Mrs. Audrey Hackney Callaway of the New Eden community, had been shot to death by a Negro neighbor.Wayne's father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hackney, also Bob Hackney and his sister, Mrs. John Pepperd, left about 8 p.m. for Wichita to be with Mrs. Callaway.
The Wichita Eagle contained the following article concerning the tragic affair in Thursday's issue:
"Robert W. Callaway, 26, of 1715 East Twenty-third, was shot to death about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday as result of an argument over an extension wire.
"Wichita police officers Donald Walters and Albert Nolund took James W. Trunels, 40, of 2130 North Washington, into custody and officers said he had admitted shooting Callaway.
"The dead man, police were told, had argued with Donnie Trunels, 12, and Glendon Trunels, 10, over their bothering an extension wire. The wire runs from the Southwest Serum company at 821 East 21st to a garden patch irrigation pump about 100 yards south.
"Trunels alleges that Callaway slapped Glendon, 10. The boy went to his home and told his father of the incident and Trunels went out to see Callaway. Officers said he denied being slapped.
"Trunels said that Callaway told him "Don't come any nearer or I'll give you some too." The man said Callaway hit him with his fist, knocked him down and bent over to pick up something off the ground. Trunels shot him.
"Police said the bullet fired from the .38 caliber S & W revolver struck Callaway in the side of the left chest and came out about two inches above the right breast.
"Trunels called police and he was taken into custody. His family also was brought to the station for questioning."
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news articles to this web site!
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