Thomas Linsley, Lover of Music and Faith, Dies at 57

A longtime resident of Kirkwood, Linsley played guitar in his church's praise band for more than 10 years, first at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood and then at Kirkwood United Methodist Church.

The following obituary was provided by Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood. Thomas M Linsley lost his short but valiant battle with cancer on Oct. 21. He was born August 2, 1955 in St. Charles and grew up in Medora, IL. He is a 1973 graduate of Southwestern High School in Piasa, IL. He has lived in Kirkwood since 1987. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Diana (nee Dublo) and daughter Kaitlin “Katie” Linsley: his mother Margaret Linsley of Jerseyville Il. Two sisters Kathy Linsley of San Antonio TX, Nancy Linsley of Chicago: Two brothers Keith (Christy) Linsley of Mooreland, OK and Mike Linsley of Indianapolis, He was the brother-in-law to Charles (Debbie) Dublo of Bunker Hill Il. and uncle to nine nieces and nephews. His father Ralph Linsley …

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Mary K. Moon Phillips, Longtime Kirkwood Educator, Dies at 93

Phillips lived in Kirkwood for 64 years and taught elementary music in the Kirkwood School District for 30 years.

The following information was provided by Bopp Chapel. Mary K. Moon Phillips (nee Appel) a longtime resident of Kirkwood, died peacefully on May 5 at nearly 94 years of age. She was born May 8, 1918, and was very proud of her South St. Louis heritage. She attended Roosevelt High School, graduated from park College in Parkville and received her master’s degree from Webster University. She lived in Kirkwood for 64 years where she taught elementary music in the Kirkwood School District for 30 years. She was an active volunteer throughout her life, a passionate bridge player and skilled quilter. She was a loyal member of First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, on the board of Manor Grove retirement home, as well as president of the Kirkwood …

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Notable Neighbors

Kirkwood Children's Chorale Turns 20

This week, we introduce you to Mimi Steele, who helped start the Kirkwood Children's Chorale 20 years ago to give talented young musicians a chance to shine.

Twenty years after founding the Kirkwood Children’s Chorale to train schoolchildren in the do-re-mi’s, it still warms Mimi Steele’s heart to hear their voices blend in harmony. “I just love the ‘a-ha’ moment when they know they sound good and they know they’ve got it right,” Steele said. “I just love being able to lead them to the realization that they can sing well.” Steele was an elementary school music teacher when she teamed up with the children’s music director at her church to give talented Kirkwood area children a unique choral experience. “What we realized was that many children in public schools were getting a really good basis and exposure to folk songs and popular stuff but not to any of the works of the masters,” Steele said. …

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Terry Sibbitts

8:13 am on Monday, March 5, 2012

One of the best investments I made for my children was having them be part of KCC! Congratulations!   more ›

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Benefactor’s Generosity Boosts Kirkwood Science Programs

Blanton Whitmire’s passion for science education will give Joplin High School a boost as well.

When 93-year-old Blanton Whitmire went to science class back in the Depression, his little high school in the mountains of North Carolina didn’t have so much as a microscope. But thanks to his generosity, students at Kirkwood High School – and soon Joplin High School – have top-notch scientific research equipment the likes of which colleges don’t even have. The Glendale resident is the founder of a chemical company, Whitmire Research Laboratories, which was an innovator in the pest-control industry. He is passionate about helping today’s students get real-world experiences in science at an early age, to get them excited about science and be better positioned to compete worldwide. “These kids are sharp. They want advanced stuff to learn,” …

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Sweet Harmony: Women's Chorus Is Big Name in Barbershop Circles

This week, Patch introduces you to the St. Louis Harmony Chorus, an all-women barbershop group that has been based in Kirkwood for 50 years.

A group of women who love to sing and dance meet in Kirkwood each month in search of perfect harmony. The women are part of the St. Louis Harmony Chorus, an award-winning barbershop chorus that has been around for 50 years now. “Singing is a high,” said Tina Knipp, who leads the bass section and handles the choir’s marketing. “There are three or four things that release endorphins and singing is one of them. It makes you feel good.” Knipp, of Webster Groves, has sung with the chorus for some 35 years. She loves to encourage other women who are passionate about singing to join her at the weekly rehearsals for the a cappella ensemble. “We welcome all singers,” she said. “I always say, ‘If you can carry a tune, we can teach you the rest.’” …

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