Alan P. McClister

Alan Philip McClister left this world peacefully on December 5th, 2025, with his wife by his side in Harrington, Delaware. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on June 5th, 1967, to Philip J. (Sharon) McClister and his mother, the late Mary Shanahan McClister.

Alan is survived by his wife, Sheila McClister; his three children, Lee McClister, Katie (Justin) Comegys, and John (Jessica) McClister; his grandchildren, Bryn and Reed Comegys and Lane and Emersyn McClister; his stepdaughter, Jessica Cotterman; and his step-grandchildren, Hunter Collins and Montana Cotterman. He is also survived by his siblings, William McClister, Glenn (Patti) McClister, David (Lynne) McClister, and Gary McClister; his brothers-in-law, Yancey (Nikki) McDonald, Robert (Heather) McDonald, and Michael McDonald; and his sister-in-law, Lisa (Randy) Routte. He is preceded in death by his brother, Michael McClister. Alan leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended family members who cherished him deeply.

From early on, Alan developed a deep love for farming, machinery, and the honest satisfaction that comes from a hard day's work. Growing up on the farm with five brothers meant long days, plenty of responsibility, and more than a little roughhousing. As the oldest of the boys at home, he learned quickly how to pull his weight, look out for the younger ones, and keep things moving. Those early years shaped who he was: steady, capable, and never afraid to get his hands dirty.

As a young man, Alan was a member of the Yardley-Makefield Fire Department, where he made many lifelong friendships and found pride in serving his community. During this time, he was starting his family and working hard to provide for his family in the way he knew best. When he later bought a chicken farm and moved to Delaware, he did not skip a beat; he continued putting in long hours, hauling feed, farming, and helping his parents with their trucking business. Whatever the job, Alan showed up, put in the time, and did what needed to be done.

In 2009, while in Florida, Alan met Shelia, and with her he found a new chapter of companionship and happiness. They later established a residence in Lake Helen, Florida, where they enjoyed their time together and built a meaningful life. What began as a friendship grew into a deep and steady love, the kind that felt easy, genuine, and meant to be. After they started dating, they spent countless miles traveling back and forth between Delaware and Florida, trips that strengthened their bond and shaped the life they built together. When they married, their joys were simple and shared, hauling loads, tackling projects side-by-side, buying tools, fixing equipment, and staying busy in the best ways they knew. In recent years, they especially enjoyed traveling with Sheila's family, creating memories Alan held close to his heart. Though he hoped for more time to adventure with his "sweetie," God called him home sooner than anyone expected.

As a true farmer, Alan had an unmatched passion for equipment. He loved buying it, talking about it, fixing it, and telling stories about it- and there's a good chance he still has it around somewhere. He knew the name of every tractor he ever owned, the hours on each one, and the complete history behind every piece of machinery. Whether he was explaining where it came from, how he repaired it, or what field it had worked, Alan remembered every detail. Sharing these stories brought him enormous joy, and anyone who talked with him about farming knew they were in for a conversation filled with knowledge and pride.

As a truck driver, Alan had an incredible memory for the roads he traveled. Once he had driven a route, he could recall it years later, landmarks, turns, and all. He enjoyed being behind the wheel and never thought twice about a long drive if that's what needed to be done. His steady nature and dependability made him someone people could count on, both at work and in everyday life.

When Alan was diagnosed with cancer, he finally allowed himself the gift of slowing down and spending time on the things he loved. Through every appointment, every treatment, and every difficult moment, Sheila cared for him with extraordinary love, humility, and devotion. She walked with him through each step of his illness, anticipating his needs, comforting him through pain, and making sure he never faced a single day alone. Her tenderness and unwavering strength in his final months were a beautiful testament to the depth of their bond. Alan left this world surrounded by the same steadfast care that had defined their life together.

True to who he was, Alan never complained, not about the treatments, the discomfort, or the long battle he faced. His courage and his desire to ease the worries of those around him remained constant, even in his last days. In his final weeks, he maintained his sense of humor and offered comfort to those he loved most.

Alan's life was built on devotion to his work, to the people he cared about, and to the simple values he lived by. His legacy will live on through the stories he told, the lessons he passed down, the countless miles he traveled, and the steady kindness he shared so freely.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with services planned in both Delaware and at his residence in Lake Helen, Florida, so all family and friends may attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson, whose compassionate care supported Alan throughout his illness.