Edward 'Tiger' L. Calaway, Jr. passed away at age 58 on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in the hospital surrounded by family. Born on September 12, 1965, in Edmond, Oklahoma, he spent his life as a proud member of the Edmond community. Tiger graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1983 and maintained many of those friendships throughout his years. He went on to run a game room, Tiger's Den, alongside his father where he met and fostered countless relationships with the patrons. While raising his family, Tiger worked for many years as an auto-mechanic in various environments gaining the ability to handle any type of vehicle. He then obtained his CDL and enjoyed hauling fuel while being able to drive the semi-trucks he previously worked on. The greatest accomplishment in his life, and what he was the proudest of, is his family, and all the friendships he cultivated. Tiger truly loved people, and with his larger-than-life personality, he never met a stranger and enjoyed listening to their life stories. He had a tremendous heart that could not handle anyone hurting without trying to fix it, an infectious laugh and loved to tell jokes, a smile that would light up his eyes, and a compassionate soul that shined when he could bring joy to someone else. He had an enormous love for children, and they were drawn to him. He loved music, dancing, playing pool, and anything that would bring people together in happiness. Tiger was a faithful follower of the Lord and offered beautiful prayers with, and for, everyone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many and touched everyone's life who knew him.
Tiger was the truest definition of a family man. He possessed an unwavering and admirable love for his wife of 32 years and treasured every moment they had together. Their devotion and drive to take care of each other was beautiful for anyone to witness. He adored his children and took great pride in raising them and continuing to be a guiding presence in their lives through adulthood when needed, offering any support that he could. He was the happiest when he could be helping in any way. He loved his entire family and endeavored to have a personal relationship with every parent, sibling, niece, and nephew. The absolute light of his world was his grandsons. He always said they were his happy place, and they felt the same way. Their Papa could do anything or make anything happen, and he glowed with their happiness.
Tiger is preceded in death by his mother: Barbara Calaway, and his sister: Debbie Vernon, and husband Ed Vernon. He is survived by his wife: Connie Calaway. Children: Tyler Calaway and wife Madison, Mandy Wolanski and husband Ivan, Christa Hacker and husband Jonathan. Grandsons: Warren, Rayden, Kaynen, and Wladyslaw. Father: Edward Calaway, Sr. and his wife June. Sisters: Kathy Dillingham and husband Terry, and Jody Patton and husband David. Along with many nieces and nephews.
He embodied the values of compassion, love, devotion, and he will be remembered for his warm and welcoming spirit. His presence in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him will forever be cherished. May his soul find eternal rest, knowing the countless lives he touched and the immeasurable impact of love he left behind.
Visitation will be held from 12-8 p.m., Thursday, October 5th at Matthews Funeral Home.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.