LARRY RAY MCGLOTHLIN
Larry Ray McGlothlin, 77, of Grand Junction, Colorado, and formerly from Edina, Missouri, passed away on December 23, 2024.
Larry was born in Hurdland, Missouri to Donald Van McGlothlin and the former Alice Jean Kilbride McGlothlin, both decreased. Larry was the second of three children and received his education 1st through 12th grade at Hurdland, Missouri. His grandmother, Elsie McGlothlin would frequently comment on Larry and his older brother David McGlothlin being able to read the newspaper before they ever started school. He completed his undergraduate degree at the former Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. Larry was a student leader and participated in several academic programs and organizations including the campus newspaper, The Index. Larry completed his master and doctoral degrees at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Larry had a brilliant mind and keen wit never forgetting facts he learned or read, performed joke telling as an art form and ability to write short fiction, poems and haiku. Larry was a life-long learner, becoming an expert on many topics that he researched and obtained hands-on training. Larry served in the armed forces as a code breaker during the Viet Nam War. After moving to Colorado, Larry’s many occupations over his life included City Manager, working with Head Start, animal control, master craftsman and cabinet maker as well as seasonally working as a roadie for Willie Nelson. On two occasions, Larry spent a year traveling in China. He earned sufficient funds teaching English to the Chinese during his travels as well as learning the Chinese language and culture.
Upon retirement, Larry returned to Edina, Missouri in 2006 where he was involved with the operations at the Food Pantry. Larry would inform the other workers of the exact number of cans per box, boxes per pallet times the number of pallets without the aid of calculator or pen and paper. Larry reported making several trips to Dancing Rabbits as he too had an interest in and lived a life off the grid. Larry frequented the Edina Library, the Senior Center, Casey’s, and enjoyed Sunday home cooked meals with his sister and niece, Nancy and Alison Averill, and his father, Don. On several occasions, other family and friends would be in attendance. One could never predict the topic of conversation at any of these gatherings when Larry was present, however his father would proclaim on more than one occasion, “I’ve learned enough, I’m going home.” Larry would laugh along with the rest of the group as he knew he owned the Gift of Gab. He never met a stranger. In 2015, Larry returned to Colorado.
Larry is survived by his two sons, Ian (of Colorado) and Colin (of California) McGlothlin. Larry was very proud of his boys and their lives including their spouses and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Debbie; his half-brother, Brian McGlothlin and wife Debbie of Florida; and his half-sister, Nancy Averill and husband, David Pfohl of North Carolina; nieces, Pam McGlothlin Gibson, Diane McGlothlin Webb, Kelli McGlothlin Guyot, Martha Clary Jefferies, Mary Clary Geisendorfer, and Alison Averill; nephews, Sam Clary, Dan Clary, Chris McGlothlin and Brett McGlothlin; and numerous great nieces and nephew, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Larry was proceeded in death by his parents; step-mother, Bonnie Hickman McGlothlin; step-father John Crump; grandparents, Barney and Elsie McGlothlin; former spouse, Shermain Slocum; brother, David Van McGlothlin; sister, Donna Jean McGlothlin Clary Pinson; nephew, Michael Stanton McGlothlin; and niece, Ann Clary.
No services are planned at this time with family planning a memorial service in the future.
