Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Funeral arrangements will be published as soon as they become available. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Please check back for a full obituary for Mr. Morton.

Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Peggy's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, January 16 from 2 to 4 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

Kathryn Jean “Kathy” Simmons (née Bye), 70, Devoted Mother, Joyful Grandmother, and Beloved Community Builder

Kathryn Jean “Kathy” Simmons, whose warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion shaped the lives of her family, friends, and an entire school community, died peacefully at her home in Annapolis, Maryland, on November 23, 2025. She was 70.

Born on January 9, 1955, in New Albany, Indiana, to Gilson Wayne Bye and Lois Stanley Bye, Kathy grew up moving often, though Indiana always felt like home. She maintained lifelong bonds with her siblings, Joe Bye and Sandy Krull, and with her nine nieces: Tricia, Susie, Lisa, Linda, Lori, Leah, Anne, Kate, and Alex - each of whom she adored.

Kathy’s greatest joy, deepest purpose, and most profound legacy was her family.

In 1978 she married the love of her life and college sweetheart, William “Will” Simmons. Though Will predeceased her in 2010, their loving relationship remained a central cornerstone to her and her children’s lives. 

To her children, Tom and Jenny, Kathy was not simply a devoted mother; she was their anchor, their confidante, and their closest friend. Their relationship was defined by extraordinary closeness, the kind of bond that only deepens and strengthens over a lifetime. They spoke every single day, often for hours, sharing the details of their lives, laughing together, seeking her counsel, or simply keeping each other company across the miles. Her children knew that whatever life brought, their mother’s voice; warm, steady, wise, and often punctuated with perfect humor, was always waiting for them.
Family life in the Simmons home was vibrant, affectionate, and grounded in shared adventure. Kathy and Will believed in making memories, in showing their children the world, and in building a life that prioritized togetherness above all else. Summers were often spent sailing, sometimes on the Chesapeake Bay, and other times in the British Virgin Islands, snorkeling through beautiful reefs; Kathy napping on the deck of the boat or mixing up drinks below deck as Will sailed, and laughing late into warm island nights.

Kathy remained the constant presence in her children’s lives, showing up for every moment, large or small, with unwavering love. Her devotion extended to her grandchildren, Hadley and Wills, whose dance recitals, hockey games, school concerts, and Grandparents Days she attended with boundless enthusiasm. She was never just in the audience; she was the one cheering the loudest, smiling the widest, and savoring every second.

Kathy’s sister Sandy remained one of her closest companions her entire life, their bond marked by frequent phone calls and the unmistakable sound of their shared, exuberant cackling. Kathy formed deep, enduring friendships at every stage of her life. She traveled with friends who shared her sense of fun, sipping Almond Joy cocktails in hot tubs and hunting for sea glass and treasures at local arts fairs.

A love of animals and wildlife was another thread in her life, from trips out West with Will to see bison, moose and prairie dogs, to penguins in New Zealand, and the fish of the Caribbean.  Throughout her life she loved and cared for numerous pets, most recently her cherished King Charles Cavaliers, Lucy and Bertie, and was often found snuggling with them on her couch.

But perhaps the truest measure of Kathy’s life was in how she made people feel. She was the person you called in moments of joy, and the person you needed in moments of crisis. She made people feel seen, understood, and fully accepted. She listened without judgment. She encouraged others to build the lives they wanted and was fiercely supportive through every step. Her humor; sharp, unexpected, and perfectly timed, lifted heavy days and softened difficult moments.

Beyond her friends and family, Kathy’s most lasting impact was on the Indian Creek School community, where her presence spanned nearly four decades. When her children enrolled in 1988, she immediately became a cornerstone of the school’s parent, volunteer, and board leadership; bringing her signature blend of competence, warmth, and razor-sharp intelligence.

She served as PTO Secretary and President before joining the Board of Trustees for nine years, eventually chairing the Development Committee and leading Indian Creek’s first capital campaign. In 1999, she became a founding Trustee and Upper School Project Director, where she played a central role in securing the 114-acre campus and shaping the design and construction of the Upper School. Her fingerprints remain on everything from strategic fundraising to the fixtures selected for classrooms and hallways.

Kathy later served as Associate Head of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, and Director of Strategic Initiatives, guiding the school through its transformational campus unification project. Even in retirement, she remained a joyful and familiar presence - attending concerts, events, and especially Grandparents Days with Hadley and Wills.

Many may not know that before her decades of work in education, Kathy built an impressive early career in national politics and government. A cum laude graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with dual majors in Politics and Government (with a concentration in International Relations) and Journalism, she earned a highly competitive internship on the Gerald Ford Re-election Campaign. This led to a role as a research assistant in the Press Division of the President Ford Committee in 1976.

She went on to serve as Director of Nutrition Programs at Fraser/Associates, Director of Correspondence for U.S. Senator William V. Roth, Managing Editor of the International Trade & Investments Newsletter, and Research Director for the International Business Advisory Council’s information services. After the birth of her daughter, she transitioned away from government work, taking on freelance journalism before devoting herself fully to her community and family.

Kathy lived a life defined by generosity, wit, and an unwavering belief in the power of community - whether a school, a family, or the many people whose lives she touched. Her influence endures in the traditions she created, the institutions she strengthened, the loved ones she nurtured, and the countless individuals who felt seen, supported, and uplifted by her presence. She will be deeply missed.

We’d like to invite everyone whose lives were touched by Kathy’s warmth and kindness to the visitation held on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kalas Funeral Home located at 2973 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater. A Memorial Service will be held at Indian Creek School, located at 1130 Anne Chambers Way in Crownsville on Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Indian Creek School or a charity you love in her name. 
https://www.boostmyschool.com/orgs/indiancreekschool/campaigns/creekfund

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Sharon's Life Celebration on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 12:30 P.M. until the start of the service at 1:30 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745.

A complete obituary for Mr. Dawson will be posted here soon.

Dr. James Donald Morrison
Beloved father, physician, husband, and friend

May 6, 1935 – November 22, 2025

Dr. Jim Morrison, 90, formerly from Seaford, VA, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters. A devoted physician and a man of quiet kindness, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and a lifetime spent caring for others.

Born in Huntington, WV, Jim pursued his love of learning by earning multiple degrees at Marshall University before obtaining his doctorate in medicine from West Virginia University in 1967. He went on to serve as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in both the Army and private practice for more than six decades. Known for his gentle presence, booming voice, careful listening, and steady hands, he made generations of patients feel safe, seen, and understood. Even in retirement, he continued offering support and guidance to those who sought his wisdom.

Jim was equally devoted to his family. He loved reading, researching new topics, debating ideas, admiring classic cars, and spending time outdoors. His curiosity and warmth enriched every part of his life.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan Little (Garrett) and Sara Pickens (Roderick); his sister, Sandee Damron; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and his niece, nephews, friends, colleagues, and former patients who were touched by his care. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Morrison, and daughters, Debra and Elizabeth.

A memorial gathering to honor Jim’s life and legacy will be held on December 3, 2025, at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037, from 5 pm until his memorial service begins at 6 pm. Interment private.

Though he is no longer with us, his stories, spirit, and love remain with all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to his favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at <a href ="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=148017744941&sc_cid=kwp&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1291300&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20361306221&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN7d5OdzY6dOg_bbGvU523e4Z&gclid=CjwKCAiA86_JBhAIEiwA4i9Ju3AiSU1t6QRzPWSQ5P-5xkQNTB8JuoQXaCgsQa6iKPLwsubo4YPKgBoCdRMQAvD_BwE">St. Jude</a>


Funeral arrangements for Vonda are private.  Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link on this page. 

Shirley A. Early passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at the age of 94, with her family by her side. She was a resident of Edgewater, MD for 14 years and previously resided in Frederick, MD. She was born on November 10, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was the daughter of George and Ivy Dowse.

She is survived by her children: Jeffery Early (Denise) and Virgina Walter (Fred); her grandchildren: Kerrie Brown (Mike), April Saavedra (Eric), and Timothy Walter; her great-grandchildren: Stephen Kyle Stout (Grace), Giuliana Cobham (Victor), and Damian Wesley Cobham; her great-great-grandchildren: Nathalia Baires, Laila Baires, and her sister June Woodward, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Early; her son, Stephen Early; and her brother, Raymond Dowse.

Shirley enjoyed ice skating, singing, and track, and spent her summers swimming at her family’s lake house in Canada. At 19, she moved to the United States. Not long after settling, she met her future husband; they married in April 1952, raised three children, and remained together for 51 years until his passing in 2003.

Shirley was a vibrant strong woman who always made an impression. If you didn’t catch sight of her, you certainly heard her. Known for her fashionable outfits, she had a special fondness for handbags and stylish shoes. She loved bowling on the lady’s league, supporting her husband and family at social events and she took every opportunity to travel back to Canada with her family to visit her loved ones and cherished time spent with family and friends. She loved going on cruises or any vacation for that matter. Shirley, a devoted Redskins fan, spent many Sundays enthusiastically cheering "Come on, boys!" at the television. She also dedicated numerous years to working at The Bon-Ton, where she was honored as employee of the year and distinguished herself as the leading charge card sales associate.

She cherished her grandchildren deeply, enjoying every moment spent with them and frequently recounting stories from her childhood in Canada with them. Always their greatest supporter, she beamed with pride and eagerly shared their achievements with anyone willing to listen.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 11:00am until her funeral service begins at 12:00pm. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now">here</a>).

Thomas Bertram Robinson, 91, of Pasadena, Maryland, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born on August 14, 1934, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Tom was the beloved son of Frederick and Mildred Robinson. 

Tom lived a remarkable life defined by quiet strength, intelligence, and kindness. He graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School, Class of 1953. He proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Special Forces Group, 77th Special Forces, 2nd Special Forces, and 11th Special Forces, dedicating years of service with courage and honor. After his military career, he continued supporting the armed forces as a civilian with the First Army DCSLOG Engineers until his retirement.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Robinson, the love of his life; and by his sisters, Barbara Kay and Pat Robinson. He is survived by his son, Jeff Robinson of Annapolis, Maryland; his granddaughter, Rachel Vespa, and her husband, Danny Vespa; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Grace and Henry Vespa, who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Tom’s gentle nature and thoughtful spirit were felt by all who knew him. He possessed a wonderfully dry sense of humor that surfaced at just the right moment, adding levity and warmth to those around him. An avid reader who loved fishing and being on the water, Tom was also a talented woodworker who could build just about anything. His soft-spoken warmth, steady wisdom, and humble generosity touched countless lives.

A burial service honoring Tom’s life and service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">Hospice of the Chesapeake</a> in his memory.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Frederick A. McGrath III passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Washington, Maryland on November 19, 2025, where he was surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Merkel Cell cancer. He was born in Washington, DC and lived his entire life in the region. He attended St. Thomas More School, Gonzaga High School, and graduated from Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, MD. He earned an associate degree in Business from Prince George’s Community College.

From a young age, he believed in hard work and in finding ways to get ahead. As a young boy he delivered newspapers on his bicycle, and as a teenager worked at both Giant Food and Memco. He deeply admired his father and spent his life working alongside him in a series of business ventures. In the 1970s he helped manage his father’s parking lot in Washington – where his business instincts emerged early. At a time when parking lots in the city only opened on weekdays, he saw an opportunity and convinced his skeptical father to expand operations to the weekends. His idea resulted in soaring revenue and helped fuel the expansion of the father and son partnership into the real estate world.

Together they managed two rental housing businesses, Jaymac Properties and Excel Homes, serving the communities of Temple Hills, Oxon Hill, Suitland, and Clinton. He worked tirelessly to upgrade properties and place them in top condition. He held himself to the highest moral standards, and his dedication led to many long term tenancies. This included many that lasted decades and one that exceeded 40 years, a testament to the trust and bonds he built.  

He was a devoted husband, father and son who placed his family at the center of his life. He never missed his sons’ activities, from Cub Scouts to high school football games. That devotion also showed in the years he spent coaching their soccer teams at St. Mary’s Piscataway. He studied each player’s strengths and weaknesses and built strategies around them, leading to multiple undefeated seasons, yet always ensuring every child had significant playing time regardless of skill.

He cherished family vacations. He loved time at the family beach house in Ocean City, Maryland, and enjoyed trips to Disney World, national parks, and various spots across the country. Many of those trips included major car events and shows, a reflection of his lifelong passion for cars, a love his sons would grow up to share. He often told stories about the Oldsmobiles his father owned when he was growing up, including a 1949 Rocket 88, a 1963 Starfire and a 1970 Cutlass Supreme. His fondest memories centered on his first car, a 1970 Chevelle SS, and on the days spent with fellow car enthusiasts at the Livingston McDonald’s. Over the years he became known as a Pontiac man, owning a 1974 Trans Am Super Duty and later collecting the various anniversary editions of the Trans Am.  

He enjoyed collecting model cars, Schwinn Stingray bicycles and toys from the era when his sons were young. He often took them to Toys R Us and used those outings to teach them the value of a dollar. He was a master negotiator and always seemed able to unlock remarkable discounts, with his sons often leaving with new toys marked down by ninety percent and, at times, purchased for only a single cent.

He spent years teaching his sons countless skills, giving them a strong foundation and a significant early advantage in life. As a result, they entered their careers directly propelled toward success, leading major engineering projects for Fortune 10 companies and providing policy guidance sought by dozens of members of the United States Congress.  

He was a loving husband and a devoted son who made certain his parents received exceptional care in the later stages of their lives. His constant presence and support helped his father live well into his nineties and allowed his mother to reach her one hundredth birthday this year.  

He will be forever loved by his family and deeply missed by all who knew him. He joins his father, Frederick Albert McGrath, and his brother, Patrick Kelly McGrath, in Heaven. He is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Cynthia L. Costenbader, MD, his mother, Dorothy Jane McGrath, his sons, Frederick P. McGrath and Ryan P. McGrath, and his daughter-in-law, Cara M. McGrath.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 4 at Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, Maryland, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A second viewing will be held on Friday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Southwest Washington, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass and burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, Maryland. A reception will be held afterward for family and friends to gather and celebrate his life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland - McGrath Memorial Fund through this link. 

<a href="https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2081865">Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland - McGrath Memorial Fund</a>

Bobby Hangliter was born on February 3, 1939, at Doctor’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. He went to Heaven on Monday, November 17, 2025. As a Catholic, Bobby knew that he would one day leave earth to live in Heaven, so he was dedicated and committed to being a servant to God, just like Jesus. Except my father would have to say lots of Hail Marys because he was a sinner, and we all know most of those stories! Billie, his wife of 65 years, says that he continued to say his prayers and Hail Marys until the day he went to Heaven. Our family has no doubts that Bobby is right with God and in Heaven.

As a teenager, Bobby had a friend named Donny Quantock who had had an accident and was paralyzed. Throughout the years, Bobby and Billie visited him for many weekends and took him on many outings, including neighborhood reunions. As a young adult, I remember my parents taking him to a Mexican restaurant, which they usually did not do because it was difficult to get the wheelchair into the car. However, my parents were determined to take him there to get him out of his apartment. My mom shared with me that this was the best time they had with him. Two days later, he went home to Heaven. Donny and Bobby are now sharing the ultimate reunion, eternal life!

Luke 14:21: “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind."

This story is just one of hundreds, where my father lived out this verse. And not just with people but with all of God’s creatures! Bobby was the modern Noah, taking in stray dogs, cats, and even a pigeon!

Bobby spent most of the money he earned giving to the churches he attended, Saint Philip Apostle Catholic Church in Camp Springs, Md. and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis, Md. His favorite charities are Little Sisters of The Poor and Saint Jude’s. The rest went to lots of presents for his wife, Billie, especially on Christmas Eve. But God provided and his three children, Sherry, Stacey, and Bobby were also well taken care of with good food, clothes, lots of toys, dance lessons, sports, and spending money for Sherry to buy gold disco pants!

Pops to his grandchildren, Stephen, Josh, Christian, Brock, Jesse, Zach, Carly, and Alex. His favorite activities with his grandkids were Hide n seek, sliding board (down his back), boxing, wrestling, napping, and telling them his real job was being Batman. Pretty sure they all believed it until they got to high school! As the grandkids grew up, Bobby spent most weekends standing on the sidelines or sitting in the bleachers watching his superstar athletic grandchildren on the football/soccer/lacrosse field and the basketball court. Pops said his grandchildren received their athleticism from his Golden Gloves boxing career!

Bobby’s first great grandchild was born just hours before his death, Maren Margaret Daniel.

Bobby and wife Billie are loyal, dedicated members of the Washington DC. Hand Dance Club. My siblings and I were always awed when they would practice their superb dance skills before leaving for one of the hand dance events. My mom is the best dancer ever, and she made my dad look just as good. Sorry, Dad, I think you know that too!

Some friendships were made within the hand dance club, others were formed in childhood and continued into the hand dance club. These friends did not just dance, but traveled to faraway places to scuba dive, sunbathe, and visit the tourists' sights. And what incredible, loyal friendships they are. The younger generations definitely need some guidance from the hand dance club!

Bobby was dedicated to God, his family, his friends, and to his job at Silverberg Electric, where he was employed for fifty-one years. Bobby left one time when the boss would not give him a raise but called him two weeks later, agreeing with his terms and asking him to come back. Even the boss realized there was no one like Bobby Hangliter.

Bobby has now joined his mother Miriam Juliette Hangliter and his father Bobby Hangliter III in Heaven, along with his younger sister and brother, Judy McIver and Paul Hangliter. Bobby is survived by his younger brother George Hangliter. When George was notified, he reminded the family that whenever George needed his big brother Bobby, he would come running, even if the situation was caused by George! It seems that Bobby is the best servant of God, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, boxer, employee, and brother.

Bobby is also survived by nieces Denise, Debbie, April, Ronda, Jeanne, and nephews Daryll, Cee-Cee, George Junior, Kenny, Raymond, and Michael Grant.

A memorial service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, November 29 at 12 noon. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.

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Frederick McGrath, III

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