Galloway, Mildred (“Midge”)

Born Oct 29, 1924
Died Oct 13, 2002

In Memoriam (from 2003 Show Program Book)

     In the forty five years that the Florissant Valley Chapter has existed it is doubtful that anyone else has left a greater impact on this chapter than did Mildred "Midge" Galloway, who died of cancer on October 13, 2002. During her two terms as Chorus Director, she had an unparalleled influence on every man in this chapter. Her loss is devastating to us and leaves us with a sense of profound sorrow.

     A native of Collinsville, Midge was attracted to music at an early age and was an accomplished student and performer since her early youth. She first became interested in the barbershop style of singing in 1955, when she joined the Belleville Sweet Adelines Chapter under the direction of the legendary Betty Oliver. She was soon singing in the "Belva Tones" Quartet. In succeeding years she sang with many choruses and numerous quartets. She directed the St. Louis #1, Belleville, Collinsville, and St. Charles Sweet Adelines choruses, and the Belleville and Collinsville Men's Barbershop choruses. Midge met her husband John while working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and sang with him in a mixed quartet. She also founded the "Belltones", a widely acclaimed chorus of Southwestern Bell employees and directed them for some 25 years until retiring shortly before her death. She became Director of our chapter in 1974 and spent two separate terms in this position until retiring in 1999 due to John's death and her own declining health.

     Midge stands alone as the greatest Director that Florissant Valley ever had. She was also a dear fiend. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by men who were here during her tenure. She left an immeasurable legacy to this chapter. Her loss leaves us with a huge emptiness. We are most proud to perform this show in her memory.

     Goodbye old fiend - Thanks for the Memories.

Midge Galloway by Al Kreher (from the Flo-Valley News, Dec 2002)

Mildred Galloway, she was no “Mildred”. She was tough as nails! She was Midge. She could have been a drill sergeant, but she had a gentle side too and we loved her.

The first time I ever heard her real first name was in the obituary section of the newspaper. It said she was 77. I think she was younger than that.

She was our director for a long time, serving in that capacity for two separate tenures. She made us sing better and challenged us to do our best.

Some of us guys with our fragile egos had a little trouble with that challenge at times.

I don't think Midge ever got over the death of her husband, John. And I think many of us suffered with her on that account. Maybe she will be with him now.

But we need to remember the good times. We had many great shows with Midge. She was part of our family for a long time.

She was a REAL barbershopper.

Six Years with Midge Galloway by Henry Hendel (from the Flo-Valley News, Dec 2002)

These are just a few words to add to all the notes on the cover (Webmaster – try and get show cover). I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye after the show.
Thanks for the memories. You taught an old dog new tricks. How to make music in song more enjoyable and a pleasure to have know you. Till we meet again. A barbershopper 10 years late – Henry.

1993 – There's a meeting here tonight because there's no business like show business. The old songs always made us want to Sing not Dance.
1994 – I (we) believe you're the greatest Barbershoppers teacher – Who will take (your/my) place as we travel the Lonesome Road after the song has ended.
1995 – So let a smile be your umbrella and sing that song once again because (you'll/we) will always be part of that old gang of (ours/mine).
1996 – Why do (we/I) love you? Your inspired us with the Our Father; Precious Lord; Jesus,Jesus; and the music of the night.
1997 – At the end of the Rainbow there's happiness so meet (me/us) tonight in Dreamland and we will sing One more song. It's all because of God's amazing grace.
1998 – We thank the Lord for the talent you shared with us and may you always walk in sunshine as finally I (we) got rhythm - My old acquaintances be remembered God Bless America and Midge Galloway Keep the whole world singing. It's great to be a barbershopper.