Lawrence Boyd “Larry” McAllister
December 10, 1932 – June 4, 2024
Lawrence Boyd “Larry” McAllister, 91, of Lebanon, passed away on June 4, 2024. He was born on December 10, 1932, in Kanab, Utah. His parents were Boyd Young and LaVerde (Pugh) McAllister.
Larry loved growing up in Kanab. One of his greatest lifelong treasures was his arrowhead collection from all of his hiking and hunting around the beautiful red hills he loved so dearly.
After graduating from high school Larry served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to the Southern California mission. While on his mission, he was able to teach the Elmo and Dorothy Harte family. After his mission Larry went to visit their family again. He and their daughter Cheryl fell head over heels in love. They were married on August 31,1956, and started their journey together which turned out to be 66+ years.
From the time Larry was small he loved to sing and play every musical instrument. He participated in school plays. He loved acting, and entertaining. When it was time for him to choose a career, it was just natural for him to choose being a schoolteacher specializing in theater and drama. He directed most every popular Broadway musical. He also loved acting in local community productions as well and was the lead in 50 plus plays throughout his life.
Larry chose to bring his family from Southern California to Lebanon, in 1969. They dreamed of owning a little farm. They found a property with a few acres and he ordered a build-your-own-house kit from Capp Homes in 1970. He has enjoyed his house and little farm immensely these last 54 years with his favorite activities of gardening and picking cherries.
He and Cheryl, being school teachers, would plan fun family summer vacations every year. He understood traveling was one of the best forms of education. Being an English teacher, he developed a love for writing. He has left many volumes of personal stories for his large family.
He is survived by six of his children, Cherie Sue (Randy) Schachterle, Dale (Kelly) McAllister, Mark (Stacy) McAllister, Laurie (Rick) Miller, Evan (Rebecca) McAllister, and Kirk (Mandy) McAllister. His brother, Byron (Janice) McAllister, and sisters Ida Lue (Laurence) Reese, and Mary (Leland) Spencer. Sister-in-law Donna McAllister, and many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl, daughter Kathy Lou, brothers Sam and Dean, and sister Charnelle.
Funeral service was Saturday June 8th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lebanon. Burial will take place at Kanab City Cemetery in Kanab, Utah. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.