Loye E McClanahan
May 02, 2010
Loye E McClanahan, married to Patricia Alice (Winchell) McClanahan died Sunday morning, May 2, 2010. He was born in Greentop, Missouri and during childhood moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Loye was a retired Firestone Tire and Rubber worker and dedicated over 30 years as a union laborer. On May 20, Loye would have been 79 years old as he was born on May 20, 1931. Recently, Loye and Pat celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary where over 100 people attended.
Loye is preceded in death by his parents, Rhodney and Elizabeth McClanahan; and two sisters, Flossie “Murlene” and Ruth Leta. He is survived by his wife Patricia; sister, Arlene; and two sons, Rodney and Gary McClanahan. Rodney is married to Pixie McClanahan and together they have five children, Melissa, Bryan, Eric, Andrea and Jason. They also have 8 grandchildren. Gary McClanahan has three children, Ryan, Jennifer and Jessica. Loy and Pat were blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Tyler Clover, 16, Rebecca Clover, 13, Sydney McClanahan, 9, Jackson McClanahan, 4, Michael Ludwick, 9, Conner Ludwick, 7, Jonathan Ludwick, 13, and Jordan Brown, 14.
Loye was the type of man who knew no strangers. He was loved by all who knew him because of his country charm and helping hand. His greatest enjoyment in life was family and children. He also enjoyed hunting, reading, fishing, boating, camping, teasing and laughing. He was his neighbors’ best friend as he assisted them by mowing their lawns, helping with repairs and sharing from his vegetable garden. Our neighbors, Nicholas and Connie thought of him as a grandfather and a friend. He always had candy on him for anyone who had a sweet tooth. He made homemade sweet pickles that became famous for their taste and provided the makings for the best potato salad you could ever eat.
He loved to hear his boys play their guitars and surrounded himself with family. His niece and nephews often thought of him as a father figure. He was his children’s biggest fan no matter what they were involved in. He loved his wife Pat for more than 60 years. He always said that she was the most beautiful woman and showed his love through his actions. His grandchildren loved him like a father.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to meet this “Irish boy” Loye, it is his family’s hope that you have known someone like him. He is the kind of human being that makes the world a better place to live in and he had an appreciation for everything that surrounded him. He was blessed by God with his ability to show kindness, support, and caring, more through actions than words. You knew he cared without ever having to be told. You immediately loved him.
Give it 100 percent and never look over your shoulder was dad’s philosophy to live by.
It will take time for all of us as we miss and love him so much. We know he is in heaven now, free from pain; hunting, fishing, reading, gardening, visiting family and friends and looking over all of us. When you think of Loye, Dad, or Grandpa, remember that he is watching with caring eyes as you live your life while echoing the importance of family.
We will love and miss you for a lifetime. Thanks for all that you have done for each of us. You are now free from pain.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David Pattison
05/04/2010
I will cherish all of my experiences and the stories that I have of Loye.
He was sure to make me laugh and enjoy life when ever i was around him. I hope that I too will be able to experience the love of life, family, and friends as he did. Our thoughts and love go out to everyone that was in his life.
Mike Pattison
05/04/2010
My Uncle Loye:
A second father in my childhood, a mentor in my adolescence, a great and supportive friend in my adult life. I will miss the sunshine you brought to my world.
Rex Winchell
05/04/2010
Great men leave great memories.I will miss you Uncle, your heart always full of smiles and praise.You taught all who knew you to find the joy in life and hold the family dear. My heart goes out to each of your friends and family who will miss your kind embrace.
Alison Arnold
05/04/2010
Gary, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Marilyn Schirman
05/03/2010
I am so proud to have known and loved you Uncle Loye and you will always have a speacial spot in my heart for you. I love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you during this difficult time. Just know as I had to learn it gets easiesr with each day that passes and always remember the good memories that he made for you. Love Marilyn
Jeff Brown
05/03/2010
I will always remeber uncle Loye in his coveralls every holiday at grandma and grandpa Mac's. He was always good to us kids and I will miss him very much and I will pray for him and I send my deepest sympathy goes out to you all. I am however glad that unlce Loye is in the arms of god and looking down on all of us... and I am sure he his still telling his jokes :)
Love you uncle Loye VERY much, God be with you.
Barbara McClanahan Smith
05/03/2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sorry I will not be able to make it to the Memorial Pat and family. I am Aaron's daughter, I live in Florida. I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. May the Lord embrace you and help you to heal from your pain. You are in my heart and thoughts through your time of sorrow. God bless you all. Barbara