Rudy Anthony Calooy Jr.

Rudy Anthony Calooy, Jr., 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 22, 2025, in Temple, Texas, following complications from leukemia. Born in Baumholder, Germany, Rudy brought color and life to every sign and mural he touched and every room he entered. A proud graduate of Killeen High School, Rudy earned his bachelor's degree in commercial art from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, launching a lifelong career as a commercial artist and mural painter. His artistic legacy endures throughout Central Texas, most notably in his 1978 painting of the Belton Dam Project—a work so enduring that Rudy himself returned to restore it in 2021 and 2022. His signage and murals grace the walls of establishments across Killeen, Harker Heights, and the surrounding communities, bringing beauty to everyday spaces and joy to all who encounter them. Those who knew Rudy remember him as a well-known, fun-loving figure whose warmth and creativity touched countless lives. His art wasn't just his profession—it was his gift to the community he loved. Rudy is survived by his older sister, April Painter; his brother, Richard Calooy; and his younger sister, Sonya Calooy. He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Calooy, Sr., and his mother, Frances Calooy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Dr., San Antonio, Texas, 78228, with rosary at 9:30 am. In a fitting tribute to Rudy's artistic spirit and love of life, a unique celebration is scheduled for January 3rd, 2026, featuring a memorial art crawl through Central Texas. The event will include visits to clubs, restaurants, and venues decorated with his artwork. Friends and family are invited to experience Rudy's art firsthand while sharing stories and memories. Detailed information and a map of the various locations can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgqJnXYN/. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rudy's legacy by donating to the Rudy Calooy Jr. Memorial Fund at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, which supports future artists in pursuing their dreams, as Rudy did. Donations can be made online at advance.umhb.edu. Type Rudy Calooy Jr. in the search box to make sure your donation goes to the correct account. Alternatively, donations can also be made by check, mailed to: UMHB Advancement UMHB Box 8409 900 College Street Belton, TX 76513

Rudy Anthony Calooy Jr.

August 24, 1956 - November 22, 2025