Edwin Calhoun, 79, 'Wizard' of Warminster

It's a simple instruction. When you address Warminster's Board of Supervisors during a meeting, speak into the microphone so the audience watching from home can hear you. Yet, a few times each session, somebody starts to talk from the audience, causing home viewers to hear a disembodied shout. 

That voice belonged to Edwin Calhoun, the "Wizard Behind the Glass" who ran the township's audio and visual operations for the township's television channel. It's a voice that has gone silent.

Edwin L. Calhoun, Sr. died on Sunday, September 08, 2013 at the Abington Hospice in Warminster. He was 79 years of age. Born in Abington, he was the son of the late Lester K. and Florence Worrell Calhoun. He lived in Southampton for the past five months and had previously been a resident of Warminster for 52 years. 

Calhoun was the retired Audio Visual Coordinator for the Centennial School District. He worked as a photographer and video technician for NBC News, Fox Sports, WFIL and the Public Spirit Newspaper. Edwin was also the Videographer for Warminster Township and was known as "The Wizard" for his expertise. 

"Ed Calhoun was one of those rare individuals who epitomized all that is
good in people," said Warminster Township Manager Richard Manfredi. "He served his country and community with dignity and honor, and I was proud and blessed to have known him."

The control room located in the meeting room at the township building was re-dedicated as the Ed Calhoun Audio-Visual Room in March after the meeting space was renovated.

Edwin was a Navy veteran. He served on the USS Muliphen AKA-61 and as a Navy photographer in Bermuda. 

Mr. Calhoun was a member of the Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 798. He served on the Warminster Township Cable Advisory Board. He was a PIAA official and rules interpreter and umpired and refereed scholastic sports in the community. Edwin was a Leader of Boy Scout Troup 139 in the 60s and 70s. He also enjoyed camping, photography, model building, bowling, and travel. 

Edwin received awards from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, the International Thespian Society, the Keystone State League Coaching Award, and was a member of the Sports Hall of Fame of Centennial School District. 

Edwin was the beloved husband of Joan Weaver Calhoun for 56 years. He was the devoted father of Edwin Calhoun, Jr. (Cindy), Debra Moritz (Thomas), Robert Calhoun (Jennifer) all of Warminster, and Wendy Steinbacher (Scott) of Montgomery, PA. He was the grandfather of Alan (Karen) and Christopher Sandy of Hatboro, Tara (Adam) Shuey of Cogan Station, PA, Jaryd Steinbacher of Williamsport, PA, Jason and Jenna Calhoun and Jacklyn Moritz of Warminster. He was the Great Grandfather of Damian Calhoun of Warminster and Dane and Lylah Shuey of Cogan Station, PA. He was the brother of Evelyn Atwell of Philadelphia, Katherine Brady of Ocala, FL the late Lester Calhoun, William Calhoun, and Alice King. He is also survived by his mother in-law Doris Weaver of Southampton. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Wm. Rowen Grant Funeral Home, Street Rd. & 2nd Street Pike, Upper Southampton. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. His interment will follow in Hatboro Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buck County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 600 Louis Dr., Suite 106, Warminster, PA 18974. Remembrances may be left at www.wrgrantfuneralhome.com.