Joe E. "Coach" Calloway

Joe Edward (Coach) Calloway passed away on March 2, 2023, at The Carpenter House after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Centreville, Mississippi on November 1, 1937, to Katherine Kirkland and Lonnie Ray (Buddy) Calloway. He later moved to Baker, Louisiana where he lived his entire life. He graduated from Baker High School in 1955 and was inducted into the Baker High Athletic Hall of Fame.

He attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now The University of Louisiana at Lafayette) where he played football and was a pole vaulter.  He held the school record for pole vaulting for many years. He received a Master of Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.

He taught Physical Education and Social Studies in East Baton Rouge Parish for 28 years. He was the head football coach at Zachary High School and coached at Baker High School and Baker Middle School. He finished his teaching career as the Athletic Director at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Joe loved teaching and coaching and touched the lives of thousands.  He is fondly known as Coach Calloway to many.

While he loved teaching, he also had many other interests. He was an avid sports fan – especially football and golf. He loved attending high school football games and attended the state playoffs well after retirement. He loved watching his grandchildren’s games and dance recitals. And he took great pride in coaching his son, Jeff through his many years of competitive golf. Joe had a standing golf game three days a week at Dumas golf course. He loved these men and cherished those games and friendships.

He was a member of The First Baptist Church in Baker, Louisiana for more than 50 years. He loved this church especially his Sunday school class.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, Pappa, and friend. He adored his wife, Gayle. They were married for 63 years. His love for Gayle was an inspiration to all. He always took time for his family, friends, and even strangers. He listened closely and intently before giving words of advice. His words of wisdom were cherished by all who received them. He was a true gentleman and an honorable man. He will be missed greatly, but he will always be remembered.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gayle Calloway; son and girlfriend, Brent Calloway and Melissa Curry; daughter and son-in-Law, Debbie and Gerry Brooks; daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Ricky Dinot; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jill Calloway; six grandchildren, Brad Brooks (Kady), Brittney Brooks Shibrowski (Aaron), Derek Himel, Kaylee Dinot, Claire Calloway, and Ainsley Calloway; three great grandchildren, Lillian Kelley, Evelyn Brooks, and Beckham Shibrowski; sister, Vickie Calloway; brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie Keith and Shahn Calloway.

He is preceded in death by his mother Katherine (Tiny) Kirkland and father, Lonnie Ray (Buddy) Calloway.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Baker Funeral Home (6401 Groom Road, Baker, Louisiana). Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Baker, Louisiana.