09/18/2012
Larry Thomas Kirkwood, son of Thomas and Frances (Sherwood) Kirkwood, was born October
4, 1943 in Knoxville. He attended the Knoxville schools, graduating with the Class
of 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas
City majoring in Philosophy. Larry received his master’s thesis at the University
of Kansas with Aesthetics the Philosophy of Art. In 1972 he presented a show at
UMKC and created works in conjunction with live theatre productions as well as an
art show. His works were placed in a public collection in the city hall of Kansas
City.
Larry moved his studio to Florida changing to silk screen works and served as a lecturer
at the Atlantic University in West Palm Beach. In 1975 Larry was listed in Who’s
Who in American Art. He presented a one-person show at Indian River Community College
in Fort Pierce, Florida. He was also listed with honors in the International Who’s
Who in Cambridge, England? Larry taught silk screening at the Norton Museum of Art in
West Palm Beach, Florida.
Larry returned to Kansas City in 1991 to pursue his art career, this time creating
a program of body imaging. He traveled throughout the United States, taking his
works to colleges and universities, working with art students, and lecturing.
His program of body imaging developed into a self-help program called: Love your
body and to be the best you can be as you are. His program was well accepted by
both faculty and students and was invited to make return programs.
Larry was a lover of life. He had a ready smile and made friends easily. His heart
was tender for animals and he had a pet since being a small boy.
Larry’s health began to fail in March 2011. He developed COPD with complications.
He put up a brave battle each day and showed his appreciation for those who cared
for him at Griffin Care Center where he was a resident and where he passed away
on Monday, September 17, 2012.
Larry was preceded in death by his father Thomas Kirkwood.
Left to honor his memory is his mother Frances Kirkwood of Knoxville; his aunts
Martha Shivvers, Nora Lee Ingle, and Charlene Kirkwood; and many cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012, at the
First United Methodist Church of Knoxville, with Pastors Lane Riggle, Brent Hanna, and Cean Wilson officiating. Burial will follow services at Graceland Cemetery of
Knoxville.
Visitation for Larry will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September
20th, at the Winfield Funeral Home. Larry’s family will be present from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. Thursday evening.
A memorial has been established to Hospice of Central Iowa or Knoxville Dollars
for Scholars. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.