Carl Albert Greenwell

He met Lauryne Williams in high school in Jerome, Arizona. They were married on January 15, 1944. Carl quit high school so that he could work with his dad at Greenwell’s Garage in Flagstaff. After quitting school, he was immediately called to serve his country and he went into the Navy. He served in WWII in Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

He began his college education at Arizona State College at Flagstaff. He was about to receive his Bachelor’s Degree when they informed him that he couldn’t receive a college degree without having a high school diploma. They tested him, he received his GED, and then was able to receive his Bachelor’s. He also went on to receive a Master’s Degree.

In the meantime, Andy was born in 1949, followed by Reed in 1955. In 1955 he was offered a teaching position in Yuma. The family moved to Yuma and Laura came along in 1957.

He taught Auto Mechanics from 1955 to 1986. During his 31 years at Yuma High, he was very active in athletics, especially wrestling. He was inducted into the Yuma High School Hall of Fame in 2019.

Carl was a member of the American Legion, Shriners, and he was a Master Mason.

In retirement, Carl and Lauryne traveled in their motorhome to many national parks in the US. They also bought a place by the beach in Ensenada, Mexico along with their good friends, George and Rita Biltz.

After Lauryne’s death in 1993, Carl spent most of his time alongside his good friends, Dick Rautenberg and Ralph Aguiar. Later, you could find him with one of his past students, Jim Whitener, at Jim’s Rod Shop.

When the pandemic struck, his family kept him home so that he could be safe. That’s where he stayed. He had a very long, interesting and fulfilling life.

He is survived by his son, Reed (Carrie), his daughter, Laura, his daughter-in-law, Helen, seven grandchildren, Tiffany (Chris), Crystal (Marlon), Allison (Wesley), Kelley (Scott), Doug (Hayley), Ashley (Chad), and Charyssa (Austin). He is also survived by his sixteen great-grandchildren, Christopher, Cordelia, Teegan, Gabriel, Avery, Rawling, Dilynn, Harlow, Kaylee, Cole, Keagan, Blake Greenwell, Blake Werley, Indiana, Roman, and Otto.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lauryne, his son, Andy, and his son-in-law, Craig Byrd.

The family would like to thank Maxi and the entire staff at Maxi’s Loving Place for giving such great care to him at the end of his life.

Services will be held at Johnson’s Mortuary on March 15, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. The immediate family will have a private celebration following the service.