Kevin Karl Calloway

Calloway, Kevin Karl, son of Aquilla Hanna Calloway and Wilba Calloway, passed from this earth on May 28, 2014 in Wichita, KS. He is survived by his partner Julian N. Howland; Julians mother, Mary Mackay, and their family. Kevin is survived by his siblings, Frances, Katherine, Wilba, Jr., Florence, Michael, Anthony, Timothy, Gregory (deceased), Jonathan, Melissa, Kara, Christina and their families. Born July 11, 1959 in Dodge City, KS, Kevin is the 12th of 13 children born to Aquilla and Wilba Calloway. His musical family toured the United States in the 50s and 60s and were known as the Singing Calloways. When Kevin began playing the organ at age 9, his legs were barely long enough to reach the foot pedals. He held his first church organ position at the age of twelve. At that time he began organ studies with the well-known organ teacher Dorothy Addy, of Wichita, KS, and his organ playing started the ever so successful climb for perfection. While attending Wichita Heights High School, he won a Concerto Competition, which allowed him to perform Poulencs Organ Concerto at the age of fifteen. During his college career he was asked to accept the position of Associate Organist at the famous Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. When only nineteen years old, Kevin was one of only five students to study with the world famous Diane Bish. After that experience, Kevin won numerous awards and competitions, one of which allowed him to study in Paris, France for 90 days in a total immersion program. He studied the works of the French masters on the organs of Paris and immersed himself in the French culture. Kevin was sought out as a recitalist, clinician, and has performed extensively throughout the world. He was a conductor, composer, and vocalist. He was also a recording artist with 3 CDs to his credit. Congregations he has served include Abiding Presence Lutheran Church and Coker United Methodist Church both in San Antonio, Friendswood United Methodist Church in Friendswood, Texas (where he designed the organ), and Birmingham Presbyterian Church in Michigan. He was playing the organ of College Hill United Methodist Church just a few months before he passed. For Kevin, family was of the utmost importance. His parents inspired him to follow his passion for music. He cherished his siblings dearly and held a special place in his heart for each of his nieces and nephews, aunts and uncle and cousins. Kevin lived with such heart and humor and grace. He insured that the musical family tradition, the way that the family shares their love, creativity and faith, was cultivated and nurtured and used to fortify the bonds of the family. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 3, 2014; Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 A.M., both at College Hill United Methodist Church. Graveside Service will be 2:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Kensington Gardens. Donations can be made in Kevin Karl Calloways name to the Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67203.