Search by Name

Larry McAbee Obituary

Larry A. McAbee was born in Paris Texas to Arlie Wayne "Mac" McAbee and Alvernia Paulina "Polly" Peery. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carole Ann Rife McAbee and Brother in Laws Curtis Staggs, Dr. Ronald David Staggs and Deborah Rinehart. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Reva Kathleen and sons Bruce Alan McAbee and Dr. Michael Dean McAbee. He is also survived by two children he raised: Theodore Wayne McAbee and Stephanie Dawn Branch, and seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren as well as several cousins,nieces and nephews. He is also survived by adopted family Bertha Barela, Bennie Gutierrez, Jaide Gutierrez, Stasanni Gutierrez, and Braxston Barela. The family is internally grateful for the help of Curtis Staggs, Jim and Ruth Arnold, Bertha Barela and her girls, as well as Raul Jimenez.

Larry had an amazing life. His family moved from Paris, Texas to Kansas City when he was nine years old. He attended Southeast High School, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he participated in JROTC, achieving the rank of Colonel. He was a member of the Marksmanship team and won a number of awards for marksmanship and was awarded his match rifle at graduation. Larry graduated in 1960 with academic honors. He continued his education at Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, Mo, where he was a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, a Mathematics Honor Society and Sigma Zeta, a Physical Sciences Honor Society. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. In graduate school at CMSU, he was selected as a participant in National Science Foundation Institute. He was also a finalist in the NASA Teacher in Space program. He won various other awards over his lifetime.
Larry was on the Board of Directors of Southern Illinois Easter Seal Society for ten years. He was President of the Elks Lodge of Centralia, IL.
Larry started his teaching career at Sweet Springs HS, Sweet Springs, MO, where he taught for four years. He then moved to Centralia HS, Centralia, IL, where he taught for eighteen years. An opportunity presented itself to teach at the United Arab Emerits University, where he served as an instructor, a curriculum specialist in mathematics and computer sciences. Rumrudee International School in Bangkok Thailand. He served his department head and taught in AP Physics, AP science and AP Programing. He went to over seas Family School in Singapore and taught IB Physics, A level Physics and IGCSE Mathematics. As well as in Bayan International School in Bahran as part of the science department physics. American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico; Physics Math-Department Chairman, and taught AP Physics. His teaching career gave him the opportunity to travel to many places around the world.
He retired in 2002 and moved to Las Cruces, NM. Where he was able to pursue his hobby of riding his Harley all over the United States and Canada. He was a lifetime HOG member. He received several yearly rewards from HOG. He was Barnett's Rider of the year for 2015. Riding was his life long passion.
He fought a long hard battle of Colon Cancer. He passed peacefully at home, where he was surrounded by family, friends and beloved pets. His wish was cremation with no services. A party celebrating his life will be held this summer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces NM 88001.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Mar. 4, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry McAbee

Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.

Not sure what to say?





I have fond memories of the both of you picking me up in Bahrain and bringing me home for dinner when I was brand new to the Arabian Gulf. Larry was indeed a classic, and the universe certainly broke the mold after him. So very sorry for your loss.

Myscha Theriault

March 8, 2018

My deepest condolences to Mr Macs family god bless you.

Lourdes MendezRodriguez

March 7, 2018

We would like to extend our condolences to the McAbee family for your loss. When we first joined the local HOG chapter, Mac was one of the first to make us feel welcomed and part of a new family. His presence and cheerful smile will be missed. I know he is now enjoying rides through heaven as he watches over his family and friends here. God bless and God speed on your new journey.

Ed and Sandy Monica

March 5, 2018

A great biker and a better friend who will be missed by all who rode with him.

Larry Wesaw

March 4, 2018

I'm so very sorry to this. Mac was an old friend of mine from our days in Mexico. I have many fond memories of him spending Thanksgiving with me, playing darts, and just generally being a good friend. My condolences to his family of whom he always spoke of with fond affection and admiration.

Sam Johnson

March 4, 2018

Larry was an amazing man. I had the honour of knowing him from the time he was teaching in Singapore. He was kind, intelligent and had a wicked sense of humour. I will miss him and raised a margarita to his memory this weekend.
I found an old picture when he and Carole came up and visited in Canada.
You will be missed.

Donna Frose

March 4, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories of your loved one comfort you until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5

March 2, 2018

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Larry McAbee's name

Memorial Events
for Larry McAbee

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Perches - Graham's Funeral Home (La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home)

555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005

How to support Larry's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Larry McAbee's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more