Kevin (2 Da K) Calip, 46, passed away at his home around 5:30pm on Monday, April 12, 2021 after his long and brave battle with congestive heart failure. He died surrounded by family, with his parting words: "I'm about to get my wings!!"

Kevin, originally from Clinton, Oklahoma was born September 21, 1974. The second youngest of four siblings (Stephanie, Jim, Kevin and Sarita-deceased) to Jimmie Earl Calip Sr. and Lois Lake Pearson. Throughout his life, Kevin was like a magnet by the way he drew people with his charm, with his chill, with his charisma, and with his compassion. He never met a stranger and after just one meeting with him, his style and attitude had this unique flavor that you knew you would always remember. Whether you were blessed to be held in his heart through love, he brought acceptance and laughter to brighten your day, or his sharp tongue put a whipping on you, Kevin was as real as they come and had an unforgettable impression. He was one of a kind and a cornerstone to all that were close to him.

Kevin had a warrior spirit. From overcoming tough challenges and hard circumstances throughout his whole life and battling his medical conditions, he never showed defeat. He always found a way to smile and make other people smile, love and make other people feel love, be positive and help other people to be positive, believe that God was still good and had blessed him, and help other people know that God is good and prayed that He bless them. Kevin was an inspiration, the life of the party, a true Rose That Grew From The Concrete and his family and friends were always grateful to have him around. Bold as a Lion, he never backed down from defending what he felt and who he felt for.

His greatest achievement and joy in life was his family. When it came to family, he loved hard, he loved strong, he loved brave, and he loved everlasting. He put his whole heart and soul into his family and his greatest commitment and hope was for his children. Kevin is survived by 7 children, Keonna Kvon Calip, Kiara Karita Calip, Javon Markice Martin, K'evion K'von Calip, K'Unique K'evia Calip, Ka'Rizma K'Hailya Calip, and Ky'Riuana K'ourageous K'Herschel Calip. Kevin has three grandkids, Jimmy Deiontra Lynn Simms Jr., Ja'karion Lynn Simms, and Karson Lee Calip.

Kevin is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews Kiara Shanielle Calip, Roland Darnell Walker and Sarita Lasha Banks; great-nieces and nephews; his 4 loving siblings Stephanie Calip, Jim Calip, Kenneth Calip and Emmanuel Calip. Jimese Calip was a sibling of Kevin, but is also deceased. He is survived by his parents Jimmie Earl Calip and Lois Lake Pearson; aunt Gail Brooks, stepmother Jocelyn Calip and other family. Kevin is also survived by his partner Kayuana Bailey who he called "my soul mate and my headache"; her mother, Sandra Bailey and her family who have loved and supported him and his children as he made a home in Springfield, in addition to a multitude of other dear friends and loved ones that will forever hold him in their hearts. Kevin has taken us all on with him in his winged heart now.

Although towards the end of Kevin's life his heart was growing weak, his heart for those he loved could never have been bigger and stronger, and even now will beat on as he looks down on us with his smile and his wings. You will be greatly missed Kevin Boo, Daddy, Uncle Kevin, Bro, son, nephew, cousin, baby, 2 Da K, our warrior in wings Kevin. Your fighting days are over now. Be at peace. We will always carry you with us and even though you're no longer physically here, we know you're at the heavenly home, you're no longer in pain, you understand all things now, you're at peace as you see how God will work out all things, you're happy, and that you will always be with us. Thank you, God for sharing such a beautiful soul. Amen.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 16, 2021 at 2pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield.