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Larry McClanahan Obituary
Larry was born on the Navajo Indian Reservation to Joe and June McClanahan in 1948. He is survived by his wife Linda of 40 years, sisters Rosalind McClanahan, Loretta Brutz and Delores McClanahan, and five children; Kevin McClanahan of Redding, Heath and Larinda Hughes of Redding, Kelly and Kayenta Warner of Anderson, Brent and Kari Runge of Spokane, WA, and Phil and Kalene McDaniels of Redding. The joy of his life was his 13 grandchildren.
Affectionately known as "Pops" to his family, Larry left behind a Christian heritage and legacy that he challenged his family to continue. His passion for Christ was emulated in his love to minister to others whether it be hunting, at the flea market, or a ball game. "A Navajo by race and a Christian by grace", Larry loved the Word of God and taught that Scripture alone is profitably for all.
After the completion of his Biblical studies at Bob Jones University, he began his ministry at S. W. Indian Bible College in Flagstaff, AZ. Later he ministered in Shasta Lake City for 18 years, until his health deteriorated.
Larry was a tenth degree black belt sensei, and his students were by his side even to the end. He enjoyed sports and had the opportunity to coach many outstanding athletes in the community. "Mr. Mac" enjoyed oil painting and inspiring others to be creative.
In his last days, Larry was confident in his faith, reciting the hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul". He looked forward to being in glory with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His family is thankful for all the prayer and encouragement through his long battle with cancer.
Graveside services will be held at the Cottonwood Cemetery on Tuesday, August 10th at 11 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry McClanahan
Doe Doe Deaver
August 30, 2010
Dear Linda,
We were so saddened and shocked as we learned of Larry's passing tonight!! We ran across Tristian this evening and he told us about Larry! We are so very sorry and I know that he is missed by all who knew him!! He was such a wonderful man of God and we loved listening to his messages and singing with him at Hilltop Estates on Sunday nights! We were so very blessed to have known him and meeting the both of you!
It's never easy saying good bye, but our hope is in knowing that we will see him again one day! He is completely healed now and rejoicing in Heaven with the angels!
Again we are so very sorry!! God Bless you and give you peace and comfort,
Love and Blessings to you,
Lynn and Doe Doe Deaver
August 20, 2010
Always at a game!
Amber (Cranfill) Booth
August 17, 2010
To the McClanahan Family, your dad Larry was so wonderful and so committed to his family and raising them to know the Love of the LOrd, I always loved the atmosphere of your home as we kids grew up. Sports were on tv all the time! I pray that God watches over your family and that your hearts will be comforted.
Theresa Cavallaro
August 16, 2010
Linda,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours at this time. We wanted to say thank you for sharing Larry with us. You both were such a blessing and we were lucky to be touched by the kindness and great affection you shared. We will miss Larry and hope if you need to call on us Linda you won't hesitate. Take care of you until we see you again. Love Rachel Billings and Theresa Cavallaro
jon stone
August 13, 2010
It has been over 15 years since I saw Larry, but his selfless, giving nature-that he always said was due to the presence of Jesus in his life-is a testimony I will always cherish. GOD has blessed me with knowing him, and my prayers go out to Linda and the family.
Wil & Jini Wicks
August 12, 2010
Larry was such a loving man and he will be missed by all who touched him. We knew him only six months but he and his family touched us in such a profound way. We know he is in a better place now and we will meet him again some day. He will have to pave the way for us as Wil says. We are both better having know him. We miss him and his Sunday nite hymns & devotionals. He was such a Godly man. Our prayers and Love go to Linda and the family, Wil & Jini Wicks
Roseanne Yazzie
August 12, 2010
To the family of Larry: I was very sorry to hear about Larry but you know, he is with the Lord now! I know he was a very devoted person who really love the Lord with all his heart. May the Good Lord be with you and the family.
Mr. Harrison Platero & Family
August 11, 2010
Larry was our uncle, and we recognized him a close family member on my grand mother side. He shell be miss, and we will continue to pray for one for another, may we be ready for the Lord's coming. We too here in To'Hajiilee are full-filling our parents foot steps. Seeking the Kingdom of Haven.
Julie Roberson
August 11, 2010
Larry's service was beautiful, it reflected the special man that he was and the legacy he leaves behind. My prayers are with you in the days ahead.
David Lockman
August 10, 2010
Dear McClanahan family,
Although it has been many years , I have very fond memories of Mr. Mac at Northstate. I pray Gods peace for you, Linda, in these trying times. May God grant all of you peace.
Randi Brickey-Diem
August 10, 2010
Mrs. McClanahan and family,
My deepest sympathies to you but Mr. Mac is in such a better place now, free of pain. I still have the charactures he made of me when I was so young. Thinking of you all.
Randi Brickey-Diem
August 10, 2010
To the family of Larry: I was so sorry to hear about Larry and for your loss. It's very difficult to lose a loved one, difficult for the family left behind. But we have that hope that you will see Larry again, as we all will who have put their faith and trust in Jesus. He was such a kind person, always joking, with a great sense of humor. We will miss him. I know how much he loved the Lord, and how much you all meant to him. I pray that God will surround you with his love and comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Kathy Watchman, Window Rock, AZ
P. Scarry
August 10, 2010
Dear Mrs. McClanahan & Family,
Please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers, this morning especially. Larry was a very special gift to many young people, a true man of God and a great testimony and example of His grace. We count it a special blessing to have known him.
With our deepest sympathy and prayers for God's comfort,
Phil and Pat Scarry & Family
chris Buchanan
August 9, 2010
Dear Linda, and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. You and Larry had a very special place in each otyher lives, carrying for one another. Your love for your children.
with love and condolences
Chris Kilpatric Buchanan
Sherry Tolen (Tappan)
August 9, 2010
Katie, Karie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Youre dad was a was great softball coach...competetive yet sincere. You're all in my thoughts and prayers...with love
Robert Lorge
August 9, 2010
Dearest Linda & Family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband & father. I had the pleasure of working with you and Larry the last couple years. I will remember Larry as upbeat crusader and a man with a smile. Thanks for welcoming me into your community! May God grant Larry eternal blessings!
dale neathamer
August 9, 2010
We are so sorry to here of larrys passing , my hsband knew larry for yrs he taught him karate an also his son.We are so sorry we did not get to see larry before his passing, our prayers are with the family. Dale and Terri neathamer . Anderson ca
Amy Clearwater
August 9, 2010
Dear Linda & Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was blessed to have Mr. Mac as my teacher in 7th grade. I was really shy and he always paid attention to me and really helped me out of my shell. Such a special man. He will be greatly missed but now it is with comfort to know that he is in Heaven with the Lord and everyone there will now get to enjoy this wonderful man.
Sincerely ~ Amy Clearwater
August 9, 2010
Dear Linda and Family,
Larry will be greatly missed, but what a Legacy he leaves behind. He is where there is no more pain or suffering, only rejoicing. Oh what a day,what a glorious day that will be when we get to see him again as well as our Lord and Savior. The Lord will hold you now even more tightly and fill you full of wonderful memories to keep you going. Trust in him for all your needs.
Carolyn Ogilvie and Family
August 9, 2010
Linda and family, we pray for you and we will sure miss Uncle Larry. Times we had together at dinners and laughing at his jokes. We love you all and Keep the Faith! From Phelia Antonio Crownpoint NM
Nelson Betoney
August 9, 2010
Linda and family. Our greetings from the Navajo Nation, Tse Bonito, New Mexico. Our deepest condolences on the passing of a dear brother in Christ and friend for many years. Brother Larry leaves a legacy for all of us who are Christians on the Navajo reservation. He is seen as a role model for every Navajo and nonNavajo to follow in the days to come, especially in these last days. Brother Larry is at peace in Abraham's bosom and in His arms at the moment.
Dennis Hardy Jr.
August 9, 2010
Linda, family and the McClanahans
My deepest condolences as I leaned today on Larry passing, at the same time thankful that his the pain and suffering has ended. He will always be there in my heart, as a friend, mentor and was like a brother to me. God bless to all.
Dennis Hardy Jr.
Kenny Frank
August 9, 2010
I was trying to remember how Larry and I met, and this is what I recall. I was reading the sports section of the news paper of a West Valley basketball player scoring 40 plus points (Kevin) so I went to a watch a home game. Later my daughter’s started playing sports at Anderson Middle School and their rival was Cottonwood Middle School who had a couple of girls that where very talented at Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball (Larinda & Katie). The rivalry continued on into High School, during the summer we joined a summer fast pitch softball league and I asked Larinda & Katie if they would join the team with my daughter’s Kristy and Kally and with a few more friends we had a team. Larry had his hands full coaching the girls and teaching me the game I thought I knew, we did very well in the league and were competitive each year. One of Larinda and Katie’s friend from Cottonwood that played on the team was named Cinnamon and she now has a son Joe Foster who is a friend of Dylan Frank my grandson. Joe spent the night with Dylan during the summer and I dug threw the scrapbook and gave him a picture of his mother when she played on the team. It seems that where ever I went I would meet Larry at the same place, once at Shasta College Football game I had my grandson and Larry had his grand kids, another time at a Shasta College Basketball he had a group of boys he was mentoring, still another time I walk into the recreation room at Win-River he was teaching Karate Classes. My daughter’s took Karate classes from Larry and they couldn’t believe the quickness and power that he delivered in his kicks. In August is the start of Archery Season for deer and I would camp near Wildwood near Hwy 36 and meet up with Larry and spend the weekend hunting together, sometimes with Kevin, sometimes with Wyatt and Cody and their was another boy I can’t recall his name but Larry said the following year he fell on his daughter while playing on the trampoline and broke her arm. We hunted near Mt. Lassen one year, we hunted in Little Valley and stayed on a working ranch with friends of Larry, yet another time we hunted South Fork Mt. and had breakfast in Hayfork at a restaurant that Larry new the owner’s. We spent this time catching up on family and new grandkids and were everyone was living, sometimes we would drive for hours and not say a word and other times we would talk well into the night. Hunting partners are hard to come by and a good friend even harder, I do have a lot of memories and I will miss Larry.
Bethany Weaver-Spalding
August 8, 2010
I never had Mr. Mac as a teacher at Grace Baptist Schools but my brothers did. I remember him most as he was my bus driver every day for 5 or 6 years. He will be missed. My prayers to you all.
Paul Taslim
August 8, 2010
Dear Linda and Family,
We pray for you and your family that our God will give you the grace and strength as you go through this time of sadness of missing Mr Mac. I am glad that our Lord had brought Mr. Mac and you to our family life, we sure will miss him and looking forward to see him again in Heaven.
JoAnn Hackney
August 8, 2010
Linda and Family, I am sorry to hear about Larry's passing but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. What a blessing! He beat us there! I miss you guys and all the excitement your family brought to the sports at ACA. May God be with you and give you the strength you need at this time.
Dave and Faye Fifer
August 8, 2010
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you in the loss of this dear man. He became a part our life thru Joel and Kelly's wedding and will always be remembered as a gentle man of God. Our prayers are that your family will feel the peace that passes all understanding as you hold his loving memories in your hearts.
Diane Surdock
August 8, 2010
May our Lord be your comfort until we meet again. Larry would want us all to prove faithful so we can enjoy the same reward that he has worked for and is enjoying now. I love the McClanahan family.
karen mcdaniels
August 8, 2010
linda and family our prayers go out to you.
Linda French
August 8, 2010
Dear Linda & Famiy, Our prayers are with you and your family. Larry was the most amazing man. Always cheerful, even though he was hurting, always encouraging others when he sometimes didn't have the strength himself. He is a man that will live on forever in everyones heart. He touched so many lives and was so loved.
Prayers, hugs & Lov Always, Linda French & Selma Thomas
August 8, 2010
God Bless Mr. Mac, and thanks for the wonderful memories at Grace Baptist.
Diane Balma
elsie barber
August 8, 2010
Linda and Family,
Thoughts and prayers with you and your loved ones from Community Bible Church and the Navajo Nation as we celebrate to put Larry to his final resting place. Larry...A faithful servant with special gifts to spread the news and he kept his light shining to the end.
LC
Carolyn Dennis
August 8, 2010
Larinda, What a legacy your dad left! Even though I never met him I can see that legacy every time I see you............Amazing Grace. Your family will be in my thoughts during this time of both grief and peaceful transition.
Mike Fletcher
August 8, 2010
Larry was a great man. He taught me so much about life. He encouraged my sons as they played basketball.He said a blessing for my youngest son on the day he was born as Larry was coaching my oldest son in the Trinty High School basketball tournament.
Mary Rickard
August 8, 2010
Linda & Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry I will be unable to attend his services. Although, I haven't seen you in recent years, I still think of you and the rest of your family often.
Mary & Larry Rickard
Rich MacKeen
August 8, 2010
Larry and the entire McClanahan family have been very dear to the MacKeen family since I was a kid (46 plus years ago). I remember seeing Larry do a karate demonstration with a Biblical theme when I was 5...he had recently received his Black Belt. Larry was also one of my father's closest friends...because my Dad was also a Pastor...Larry and Dad would talk to each other at a level that is hard for Pastors to do with members of their church. I can bearly write these words from Afghanistan because of the freshness of my Dad passing(also known as Pastor Mac). Dad and Larry's brother like relationship over the years was such an encouragement to him. They played a lot of sports back in Arizona and I know they are both having a great game of one-on-one. To the family, our sadness is great, but our peace is even greater knowing that we have eternal life because of what Jesus did for us and that we will be reunited with our loved ones. For anyone who does not have this peace and assurance, place your trust in Jesus and then you will not fear.
Vera Greenwood
August 8, 2010
We are deeply sadden by the lost of uncle Larry. He will be missed. I will always remember him picking on me about my Texas accent. The family are in our prayers. We love ya and he will always be in our hearts. Vera,Amanda and Kevin (Irving,Texas)
Patty Cross Stuart
August 7, 2010
Mr Mac was a great teacher in my jr high years and really inspired my creative side. I have fond memories of him as a fun and competitive coach and teacher. May God bless you in this time and, you too, have fond memories.
Susan Baxter
August 7, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. We have enjoyed seeing Mr. McClanahan in the crowd at sporting events. He loved to watch his grandchildren play. He had a wonderful, sweet presence about him. I know that he will be missed by many. The Baxter's
Darla Tilley
August 7, 2010
Mr. Mac was such an inspiration to me as well as my sister when we attended Grace Baptist schools. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He is where he has always taught others to be ready to go....in Heaven with the Lord where there is never pain. Thank you Mr. Mac and may the Lord bless and comfort his family during this time.
Daniel Shelby
August 7, 2010
Some people come into our lives and stay a little while, leaving impressions that last a life time. Mr. Mac. the memories from Liberty christian and North state have run through my mind often through out the years. We know that God is good because your time on this earth proved it. Thanks for the influence and memories.
Thomas Sparks
August 7, 2010
I would like to thank Larry for the lessons I have learned. Larry, You will always be in my heart and prayers. You have not only been a sensei, But a mentor.
Granny and Pastor Larry at her 89th Birthday in 2000
Debbie Allison
August 7, 2010
Pastor Larry was, and will continue to be a great blessing to our family. Granny, Bernice Davis, loved him and his family as she did her own family. His years at Trinity Baptist in Central Valley kept Granny attending into her later years in life. Granny passed into eternity this past May, even though Pastor Larry was not feeling well he attended her service and added beautiful words to her eulogy by sharing the many years he had spent with her and the church family. Linda and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is awesome to think that her favorite pastor is with her again.
Peggy Burgess
August 7, 2010
Dear Linda and family,
May the love of God, friends, and family be your strength during your sorrow. THE PAIN AND BATTLE of this world has ended, and now there will be perfect peace and rest.
With prayers for you and family,
Peggy Burgess
terry cato
August 7, 2010
larry was a wonderful friend and always had a word of god and encouragement for me. i loved his competitive attitude during basketball games and always enjoyed being on the same court as he was. we will miss him until we see him again.
Janis Lanphear
August 7, 2010
Linda we are grateful that Larry has finally had an end to his pain. We thank you both for watching over our mother Jean, all the time she lived in Redding. We know you are both in the arms of Jesus and that he will watch over all of his children. Janis & Bob Lanphear
August 7, 2010
Linda and family:
We are thinking of you all and praying for peace and strength to get you through this time. He was such a creative guy on so many levels. We enjoyed all the times that we spent together when the kids were growing up.
Love and prayers,David&Tawnie Norton
Glenn Tuschen
August 7, 2010
He sounds like a wonderful man. I wish I could have known him. Prayers for Gods blessings on his family and friends. God bless
August 7, 2010
Mr. Mac,
Thank God you are free of pain and rejoicing in His presence now. Death is only hard for those of us left behind. May your family find peace in knowing they will hold you again.
Julia Paradis Miller
Tom & Pauline Whalen
August 7, 2010
With great sadness we read about Larry's home going. Sadness for everyone he left behind, but joy for what he is experiencing now. We, the Whalen family, have such wonderful memories of our association with Mac during the Grace Baptist years. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to our son, Tom. We pray that God will comfort you and bless you through this difficult time and in the years to come.
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