The Life of LOYE E MCCLANAHAN
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.
