Larry "Moose" Mcallister

Larry "Moose" McAllister, 78, passed away October 7, 2022 at his family farm as his ultimate wish. He always believed the farm was the greatest place on Earth. For many years he enjoyed watching over the fields and meadows and all the wildlife that would visit or call it home. Sunrises were enjoyed at the dining room table with a cup of black coffee looking out the window as the deer grazed. The turkey would pass through at a moment's notice. The grass in the big field waved in the gentle breeze and birds flew overhead. The horses patiently waited in the barn for grandpa to feed them and read his morning paper while they ate. Working on the farm was a labor of love. Hunting on it was a bragging right. You could find him walking, riding his 4-wheeler or driving the Allis-Chalmers tractor around the property. No matter how he navigated around the farm, he was sure to see something wonderful. Sunsets were loved and shared on the deck with his family and friends. He slept peacefully listening to the night sounds of the country. His love for this farm ran deep. He was surrounded by nature, love and laughter with family and friends to the end.

Larry attended Battle Creek Central and held athletic titles. He was employed by Post Cereals from 1963-1999 (retirement) where he earned the nickname Moose from his many friends and co-workers. Moose was a very hard worker and believed leaving work at work (except for his bibs) and family time was for family.

Moose was an incredible father, grandfather and the best of friends. He could slay a lion with a stare or mend a broken heart with a gesture. Moose was a mountain of a man and his heart was just as big. His presence was strong and larger than life but his soul and spirit were gentle and kind. He built many friendships through his passion of fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles and outdoor activities in general. He considered these friends brothers and sisters. Moose was a loyal friend that you could always rely on, you could count on him keeping his word "come hell or high water". His son's lifelong friends were also deeply loved by Moose and they would spend time with him out at the farm. He was truly one of the good ones.
He took pride in his title, Grandpa Moose, and was immensely adored by his grandchildren. His greatest pleasure and honor was teaching his grandchildren fishing, hunting, and love for the outdoors. He shared many words of wisdom with them but his favorite phrase was, "Don't get excited". It was his way of teaching them to slow down and enjoy all that nature and life provided.

Moose is survived by Delma Collins, his wife of 13 years; son, Jason (Kimberly) McAllister; grandchildren, Brandon and Morgan McAllister, Ryan Barber. He was Bonus Dad to Don (Joyce) Bradstreet, Toni (Bob) Burke, Tenelle Barber, Michele (Todd) Stedman, Misty (Brian) Trudeau; Bonus Grandpa to Justin, Tyler, Bailey, Kenneth, Jackson, Khloe. Siblings, Norma (Bob) Hamilton, Dennis (Sheila) McAllister and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Nancy McAllister, stepson, Tom Barber, parents, Frank and Ruth McAllister, brother, Alvin and father-in-law, Raymond.

Moose's family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. (A gathering afterward will be announced). It will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/2494641. Personal messages and memories may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.