Larry McElliott

1937 - 2025

Larry McElliott

July 31, 1937 - April 16, 2025

Larry received his wings on April 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., with family witnessing his solo flight.

Larry joined his sister, Roberta; and parents, Clifford and Ilda, in a small hospital building in Twin Falls Idaho on July 31, 1937.

Larry lost his father when he was eight years old, when he suddenly became the "man of the family".

His leadership and constant support to his mother and sister formed his character of being a compassionate and adventurous individual that pushed him into a successful businessman and caring family man.

After his high school graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Haslam, in 1957. To this union his daughter Shelly and son Bradly were added to complete his immediate family.

His desire to strive in the business arena landed him at Globe Seed and Feed in 1957 under the guidance of J.A. "Art" Cederquest, owner.

Larry learned the seed and feed business and became President in 1978 of Globe Seed and Feed.

Over the years Larry held many prestigious roles as Past President; Idaho Feed and Grain dealers; Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed; Idaho Seed Council; and Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame.

Larry joined the Army National Guard in 1954, retiring after 27 years of serving our country with the rank of Captain. He received the Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army National Guard Medal for Achievement; Medal for Military Merit; Colonel Thomas and Brinkley USA Award; Lifetime member National Guard Association of the U.S.; Lifetime Member Officers Association of the U.S.; Lifetime Member NIOAA Military Officers Association of America; and Army Recommendation Medal on Retirement.

Larry reached out further by joining other community organizations.

BPOE (now Snake River Elks); American Legion Post 7; Blue Lakes Country Club; he is listed in Who's Who for Small Business Men in America; College of Southern Idaho Foundation; Magic Valley Regional Medical Center Foundation; and 4-H programs in five counties.

Larry traveled with his wife, Janet, with business goals in mind to Spain, North Africa, France, Italy, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, Japan and People's Republic of China.

Larry through his 87 years has experienced many trials which he always survived through his love as a pilot. One of his trips to Mexico with friends was a favorite memory he spoke of frequently.

Larry, along with Brad, decided to skydive on Larry's 80th birthday.

Another love was golfing, his trips to several golf courses with friends were always talked about. This July would have marked his 40th year with Valley Rowdies, held annually in Jackpot, Nev. His name will be added on a memorial bench at the Club House.

As his surviving wife, I would like to thank Larry for the amazing life of 11 years of sharing so many experiences together. Our friendship started 53 years ago. In 2013 he found me again and from that first encounter with 2 cups of coffee and a marriage license we made our lives a forever fairytale.

Our most favorite cruise we refer to as a trip to last a lifetime was 45 days going about the Cape in South America.

His support, teaching and guidance will last a lifetime for me and my children, who he dearly loved and was very tentative to their personal lives.

We miss you, Larry. I will see you again when I gain my wings.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Clifford L McElliott; his mother, Ilda Gellatly McElliott; brother-in-law, Bud Dry; great-grandson, Andrew; and his dear wife of 50 years, Janet Haslam McElliott.

Larry is survived by his wife, Irene Kimball McElliott; daughter, Shelly McElliott and son-in-law, Jim Frohock; son, Bradly McElliott and daughter-in-law, Maria; bonus son, Dion Suhr; bonus daughter, Lisa Suhr Kerner; bonus son-in-law, Dale Kerner; sister, Roberta Dry; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life (Irish Wake) will be held in July/August at our home, 160 Los Lagos, Twin Falls, Idaho. A date will be posted as it is made available.

Arrangements are under the care of Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home. www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.