Born in 1953 in West Palm Beach, and one of five children, Father Kaywell discerned early in life a religious vocation, entering a Franciscan monastery at age 17, first graduating from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and then studying at St. Francis Seminary, also in Loretto. In 1975, he left religious life shortly after releasing his first album to perform in a band with his brother, eventually moving to California, where he was involved in youth ministry and professional songwriting for advertising and television for more than a decade. The future Father Kaywell then returned to seminary in 1984 at which time he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. While battling cancer, he managed to record the 1986 Grammy-winning gospel album “Let My People Go” with The Winans. He then continued his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and was ordained on Oct. 25, 1991, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father Kaywell served as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral from 1991-1998, then as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples from 1999-2004, before his appointment to Sacred Heart. Father Kaywell was St. Vincent de Paul Society Chaplain for the Sacred Heart Conference. In his early years as a priest, Father performed at concerts to help raise money for Catholic education throughout the Diocese. Father Kaywell continued to produce music while a priest and released his latest album in 2020. Father Kaywell is survived by two sisters, two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, at Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., March 12. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Jerome Kaywell and the consolation of his family. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.