Larry Greenwalt

Larry W. Greenwalt, painter and sculptor, age 69, died of a heart attack at his home in Rio Rancho, NM on Monday, August 6, 2007. Larry began and ended his career as a painter. He was best known for his rural American art and later gained recognition as an accomplished Southwestern and Western artist and sculptor. He was a two-time winner in the Northwestern Bell Calendar Competition in 1973-74 and received national recognition in December 1976 as the 1st place winner in the Saturday Evening Post cover contest with his rendition of "The Grande Ole Buggy." Larry's love of art and adventure prompted him to travel throughout the United States. During his travels, he conducted one-man shows, judged art work, held workshops, and lectured at art clubs and civic organizations. Larry was born May 11, 1938 in Shenandoah, IA to the late Howard and Cecile Greenwalt. He attended Shenandoah area schools and graduated from Shenandoah Community High School in 1957. On July 24, 1960, he was united in marriage to Sandra (Sandy) Hoover in Shenandoah, IA. Larry and Sandy raised two children, Todd and Melinda (Mindy). Following graduation, Larry completed the ...[more]

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man Rockwell Famous Artist School and was employed as a commercial artist at Brown's Shoe Fit Co. in Shenandoah, IA. He also painted and maintained a gallery in his home. It was during this time that Larry decided to branch out and explore new regions of the United States. In 1988, Larry and Sandy moved to Rio Rancho, NM where Larry continued to work as a commercial artist for Premier Distributing Co. in Albuquerque, NM. He also opened an art gallery in Old Town Albuquerque. In addition to being a well known artist, Larry was an avid car enthusiast. He loved caring for his yellow '57 Chevy, aptly named "Buttercup." Larry was an active member of the Rio Rancho West Side Cruisers. On Thursday evenings, Larry would meet with club members at the local Sonic Drive In and reminisce about car shows and one of Larry's favorite topics, his red '56 Chevy convertible he owned in high school. Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Todd Greenwalt, wife, Donna and three sons, Steven, Adam, and Nathan all of Shenandoah, IA and his daughter, Melinda Merkel and three children, Melissa, Christine, and Brian all of Rio Rancho, NM. He is also survived by his brother, Harley Greenwalt and sister, Margaret Kling both of Shenandoah, IA. Larry is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends from around the United States. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by two brothers, Miller (Bub) Greenwalt, Harold (Bill) Greenwalt, sister, Mildred (Sis) Spies and granddaughter, Lynn Marcelle Greenwalt (daughter of Todd and Donna Greenwalt). A celebration of life funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Rick Sleyster and Lloyd Keeton gave the eulogy. Jennifer Keeton composed and read a special poem, "The End Of The Dusty Trail". Caring for the flowers was Dixie Ulch. Attending the memory register was Donna Money. Musical selections were "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, "I Did It My Way" by Elvis and "Happy Trails" by Gene Autry. Honorary casket bearers were all of Larry's niece's and nephews, the Shenandoah High School Class of 1957 and Gary Lewis. Casket bearers were Steven Greenwalt, Adam Greenwalt, Nathan Greenwalt, Brian Merkel, Jerry Spies, Alan Armstrong and Bill Hillman. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.