Karol Callison

Callison, Karol Joyce Keeler, 81, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother (Mamo), passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 after a brief illness surrounded by her loved ones. Born February 18, 1934, she was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Irma Keeler, sister Kathlyn Harrison and son, Kelly Callison. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Earl F. Callison, Jr.; daughter, Kristen and son-in-law Alan Martin; grandchildren, Jade, Jordan, and Jonathan Martin, Tiffany Saville, Teall Callison; and two great-grandchildren. Karol called Wichita home all of her life. A graduate of North High, she went on to earn her Associate of Arts degree from Colorado Womans College in Interior Design. She returned to Wichita and married Earl, whom she had known from childhood. Karol was a great lover and proponent of the arts by serving on several committees to include the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita State University College of Fine Arts and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, as well as the Girls Scouts of Kansas Heartland. She had a lust for life and experiences, and loved the challenge of trying new things. Over the years she visited six continents, close to thirty countries, and over forty-three states. From white water rafting to going on safari in Africa, she truly was a world traveler and could always be found planning her next international trip. Her favorite and most treasured place to visit, however, was the Vail Valley in Colorado where she spent a month every summer for much of her later life. While not exploring the world she was an avid gardener and loved being outside in nature in her own backyard. Karol, a true matriarch, lived life according to her own terms and carried herself with grace and elegance. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends, all of whom she loved most dearly. Memorials can be made in her honor to the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland-Wichita, 360 Lexington, Wichita KS 67218, the Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203, and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S Main St, Wichita, KS 67202. Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Downing and Lahey Mortuary West.