William Thomas Kallas - Obituary

illiam T. Kallas jr. (“Bill” or “Billy”) was born April 6, 1929 in Washington DC, the oldest of the four children of William T. Kallas sr. and Margaret Winifred Kallas (née Boyd.) As a boy growing up in DC, Bill played many sports, often under the auspices of the Metropolitan Police Boys Clubs. But he particularly excelled at baseball. Bill played High School baseball at Eastern High School in the District. His senior year he hit 0.608 for the season, leading the league in batting average and in home runs. He sometimes shared the Eastern infield with his brother Harry. Bill signed with the Chicago Cubs organization to play minor league baseball. He had a tryout with the AAA Los Angeles Angels (Chicago Cubs affiliate) of the Pacific Coast League. In 1954, playing for the Keokuk Kernals, one of his teammates was Roger Maris (who later starred with the NY Yankees.) In 1955, Bill led the Tri-State League (playing for Spartansburg) in RBIs. In 1956, he led the Carolina League (playing for Fayetteville) in stolen bases. His professional career was interrupted by military service and by a broken thumb. He served his country during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Professional Teams Played For Year Age Team League Level Aff. 1948 19 Lumberton Cubs Tobacco State League D CHC 1949 20 Visalia Cubs California League C CHC 1950 21 Rock Hill Chiefs Tri-State League B CHC 1953 24 Rock Hill Chiefs Tri-State League B 1954 25 Greenville Spinners Tri-State League B 1954 25 Keokuk Kernels Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League B CLE 1955 26 Spartanburg Peaches Tri-State League B CLE 1956 27 Fayetteville Highlanders Carolina League B CLE 1957 28 Kinston Eagles/Wilson Tobs Carolina League B WASH After playing baseball professionally, Bill became a printer, which was to be his profession for the rest of his working life. Bill worked for the Washington Daily News, The Washington Star, The Washington Times, and the Government Printing Office. He continued playing sandlot baseball, including for the Union Printers. Years later, when he was over 70, he played on a slow-pitch softball team that won the league championship. Bill Married Lillian D. Schuirmann (“Lee”) on April 2, 1960. After 8 years of marriage they welcomed a baby girl, Terry, to the family. In 1973, they moved into their house in Laurel, MD, where they resided for over 40 years. Bill had a busy schedule, often working the night shift at the newspapers, but he always made time to attend his daughter’s school activities and share his love of sports with her. He and Lee enjoyed going out for an occasional date night where they would dress up and go dancing (Bill claimed that he taught Lee everything she knew about dancing. Lee made the same claim about teaching Bill.) They even took disco dance lessons which Terry learned by watching from the side lines. Other fun activities he enjoyed included trips to Sandy Spring beach, crab feasts, cook-outs and neighborhood block parties. He retired from the Government Printing Office after a long career. He was a member of the Columbia Typographical Union. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 56 years. He is survived by his two children - Donald John Schuirmann (Linda McGivern) and Terry Leigh Severson (Christopher), and three grandchildren - Mary Morgana Schuirmann, Kayla Brooke Severson, and Leah Paige Severson. Also nephews and nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to Bill's Celebration of Life at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Thursday, August 20 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m where services will be held on Friday, August 21 at 12 noon. Interment Columbia Gardens Cemetery.