David Circle

David Edison Circle

October 15, 1936-August 10, 2022

Our beloved Dr. David Edison Circle, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas entered into God’s

Kingdom on August 10 2022, quietly in his sleep.

He was born to the late Lee and (Dorothy) Mae Circle in Arkansas City, Kansas on

October 15, 1936. He attended Cowley County Community College, then completed a

Bachelor of Music Education at Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State

University) in 1958. Continuing at Emporia State, David received his Master of Science

degree in Music in 1959. Soon after, he furthered his talents with his first teaching

position in Kansas City at Broadmoor Junior High School. While there, he directed the

band and orchestra, and taught all general music classes. Later he began a teaching

position as the band and orchestra director at Shawnee Mission West High School.

David completed his education by obtaining a PHD in 1971 from Peabody College for

Teachers in Nashville, TN. The following year he accepted a position as Chairman of

the Music Department at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. That same year, he

was given the opportunity to move back to Kansas City and was hired as the

Coordinator of Instrumental Music for the Shawnee Mission School District, where he

was the head of all Fine Arts Programs until 1997. He was dedicated and committed to

teaching and mentoring young people. He wanted them to better themselves and make

a positive difference in this world. He continued this passion and philosophy throughout

his entire life becoming a positive influence and mentor to many.

After retiring from the Shawnee Mission School District in 1997, David continued his

passion to impact young people’s lives, as he accepted a position in the Blue Valley

School District as the Coordinator of Fine Arts. During this time, he also acted as an

assistant band and orchestra director in multiple schools. In total he spent 11 years of

his career in the Blue Valley School District.

Outside of conducting in schools, David took great pleasure in conducting orchestras for

the Kansas City Youth Symphony and the Junior Youth Symphony, The Overland Park

Civic Band, and Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park.

Throughout his career David was a member and President of the Kansas Music

Educators Association (KMEA). He was also an active member of the Music Educators

National Conference (MENC). He was elected to many roles and positions with MENC,

including National President from 2004-2006. He spoke at numerous conventions as

well as lobbying in Washington, DC to obtain government funding for Fine Arts

programs in schools across the country.

As a devout Christian, David spent much of his time involved in church choirs both as a

member and a director. His dedication and passion for liturgical music was very strong.

It led him to direct four different church choirs throughout the country including churches

in Nashville TN, Mission, KS, Muncie IN, and Prairie Village KS. In later years David

was an incredibly dedicated member of the choir at The Church of Resurrection in

Leawood, KS. Singing with the COR choir was one of David’s greatest pleasures in life.

David’s true passions included his family, his faith, music, and education. His traits and

passions were heavily present in all aspects of his life. He was an adoring husband, a

much loving father, and a trusted friend. David will be clearly missed by all who had the

pleasure of knowing him and the many lives that he impacted.

He is survived by his spouse, Patricia Louise Circle, his seven daughters, Kevon Doty

(Travis), Dana Miller (Wendell), Dawn Chirdon, Katrina Dearing (Lamont), Debi Bell,

Laurie Nichols (Doug), and Kim Spillman (Brian), thirteen grandchildren, and nine great

grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Tomashoff and brother, Richard

Circle, and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his

brother-in-law Walt Tomashoff, grandson Joseph Peake, and his parents Lee and

Dorothy Mae Circle.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Resurrection Sanctuary A,13720

Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224, where family and friends are welcomed to David’s

Celebration of Life. Immediately following the service there will be an informal gathering

in the Narthex of the Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dr. David E. Circle

to the following: Kansas City Hospice House www.kchospice.org, or The Church of the

Resurrection’s Music Ministry at www.cor.org