Lawrence Oswalt Obituary

The Rev. Lawrence Oswalt passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013. He is now free of pain, whole in body and spirit and in the very presence of his Lord and Master. His Resurrection Celebration will be held at First Baptist Church, Friday, July 12th at 2:00 p.m. Larry was born in Wabash, IN on September 27, 1936 to Cecil and Carrie Oswalt. He graduated from Wabash County High School in 1954 and from Colorado College in 1958, Magna Cum Laude. He attended graduate school at the University of California in Berkeley. He was called to Santa Rosa, CA to teach foreign languages in a new Junior High School in 1959. While in Santa Rosa, the First Methodist Church called him to be Minister of Music and Youth. In 1966, he returned to Berkeley to finish his degree while serving the Golden Gate Christian Church in San Francisco. He received his Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in 1970. That same year, he began serving First Baptist, Colorado Springs as their Director of Music and Youth. In 1973, he was called to First Baptist Church in Palisade, CO as the Pastor. He helped establish the Ministers Council and a senior nutrition program in the Palisade area. Bethel Baptist of Casper, WY called him as Pastor in 1980. In 1984, Larry went to Bloomington, IN to begin a graduate degree in Adult Christian Education. He served several churches in the area. In 1992, he moved to Wichita, KS and became very active in First United Methodist Church, as a tenor soloist and as a teacher of adult classes. In 2000, he retired to Colorado Springs and did several Interim ministries until his health prevented further traveling. Larry had a glorious tenor voice that he used to praise the Lord. He and his wife Lois have given many concerts with her on the piano. They gave family concerts when the children were younger. He sang with the San Francisco Opera one season and with the Sonoma County Chorus; their youngest tenor soloist at age 25. Every where he lived, his voice was a blessing to everyone who heard it! Larry is survived by his wife and accompanist, Lois. Their 55th anniversary would have been August 16th. Children are Denise Cox (Jay) of San Antonio, TX; Dave Oswalt (Diane) of Grand Junction, CO; Carrie Gruhn (Scott) of Anchorage AK. Grandchildren are Candice Kirkendoll, Hannah Gruhn, Timothy Gruhn. Larry's sister Mary Lou Kurtz (John) of Fort Wayne, IN; a nephew in Indianapolis and extended family members in Indiana, Florida, Maryland and Texas. His unconditional love encompassed many people into his family. The family wishes to thank all of his caring doctors, Sunny Vista Living Center and Evercare Hospice for their incredible care of Larry for the past many months. Larry leaves a legacy of love, gentleness, wisdom, music, and joy. Into the Lord's hands his spirit soars. Remembrances may be given to First Baptist Church, Colorado Springs, The American Cancer Society or Evercare Hospice.