UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 35, Page 14
June 23, 1994
Memorial services conducted for J. Robert King, Thomas O. Calhoun

     Two long-time members of the University faculty, who had
collaborated on a research project, died recently within hours of each
other.
     J. Robert King, professor emeritus of music who had been
diagnosed with cancer, died at home June 12. Thomas O. Calhoun,
professor of English, died June 13 at home of heart failure.
     They had been involved in a research project on 17th-century
English poet Abraham Cowley that resulted in two books and in the
production of The Mistress, a compact disc featuring performances of
his works set to music.
     Mr. King was involved in transcribing the music and Dr. Calhoun
was chief editor of the project, which was released in January. Mr.
King is credited with establishing the instrumental music program upon
his arrival at the University of Delaware in 1946 and is the founder
of the University of Delaware Marching Band. He was a member of the
faculty and taught courses ranging from instrumental music to the
history of music in America until his retirement in 1985. He twice
served as acting chairperson of the Department of Music and supervised
the final plans for the Amy E. du Pont Music Building.
     Mr. King was a recipient of the University's excellence-in-
teaching award in 1967 and, on May 15 during a special concert, was
awarded the University's Medal of Distinction.
     Dr. Calhoun was a member of the University faculty for 27 years.
His research focused on 17th-century British literature, and he was
the author of many essays and books on writers Andrew Marvell and
Henry Vaughan.
     Since 1977, Dr. Calhoun and fellow professor of English Jerry
Beasley were known as the "Elderly Brothers," a musical duo that
specialized in '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll. They performed at a
variety of public and private fund-raising events and benefit concerts
throughout the state and surrounding region.
     Dr. Calhoun was president-elect of the University Faculty Senate
and was past president of the American Association of University
Professors.
     The family of Mr. King suggests contributions to the St. Thomas'
Episcopal Church, Newark, or to the J. Robert King Memorial
Scholarship Fund, in care of the University of Delaware Department of
Music.
     The family of Dr. Calhoun  suggests contributions to St. Thomas'
Episcopal Church.