Wallace "Wally" Edwin VanAntwerp

,

Wallace “Wally” Edwin VanAntwerp went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2022, in Thermopolis, WY, at the age of 87. 

On November 14, 1934, Wally was born in Richardton, ND.  He was 1 of 8, he had 5 sisters, and 2 brothers, born to John Randoff and Olivia Eva(Barrette) VanAntwerp.  He was raised in Helena, MT and graduated from the Catholic High School in 1954. He proudly served in the US NAVY on board the USS RANDLE as a Radioman, from 1954-1958.

On June 13, 1960 Wally married his beloved wife, Eleanor Faye Long. They  moved to Thermopolis, WY in 1961, and his love of family was expanded to include the long/Russell family, he loved them, and they loved him dearly. He loved working the family ranch, docking, shearing, and moving the sheep between the winter and the summer ranges. He liked to hunt rocks and fishing in his spare time, hobbies that he loved to share with his family. He loved spending time with family playing cards, music, instigating water fights, and according to mom dirtying every dish in the house cooking. He was an avid sprots fan watching any sport with a ball, boxing gloves and rodeo. When He wasn’t doing all of that, he worked and raised his family in the community he loved for the duration of his life.  He was a Chef at the Legion Town and Country Club, a Steward for the BPE Elks Lodge #1746 and retired from Amoco/Citation in 1999.

Serving the Lord was Wally’s life calling.  He served as a board Member, Treasurer and Music Leader  for the Assembly of God Church for many years and later became a beloved member and musician for First Baptist Church.  Both congregations were blessed by his faithfulness and his music.

Wally’s love of gardening and canning benefited many a home in Thermopolis.  He was often seen driving the Gottsche bus, calling Bingo at the Sr. Center, or behind a guitar singing in a community concert with his faithful accompanist,  Toots Daughtery. He and Toots were faithful servants every Sunday afternoon at Thermopolis Rehabilitation Center and The Wyoming Pioneer Home, playing music for the people they loved. His smile, handshake, and constant acts of kindness conveyed his love for people and God.

Family cherishing his memory include his sons, Wallace Jr. (Jill) of Kuna, ID. Jeffery (Kaye Lynn) of Casper, WY. and Clay (Meredith) VanAntwerp of Thermopolis, WY. Brother Bobby McEvers, eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. 

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, john and Eva, brother Randy, five sisters Helen, June, Betty, Donna, Jeannie,  and his beloved wife, Faye.

Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church on January 15, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. 

  Messages may be offered at www.mortfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wallace "Wally" Edwin VanAntwerp, please visit our floral store.