Larry D. McElroy, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Morgantown, on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 23, 1938, in Barberton, Ohio, the son of the late Stanley Adrian McElroy and Elizabeth Pleasant (Fleming) McElroy.
He was a member of Lynch Chapel Methodist Church since 12 years of age. Larry served as coach for the Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball teams for approximately eight years while his sons were growing up.
Larry retired as an Engineering Technician from Allegheny Power Co. Sept. 1, 1996, after 30 years of service. He began taking full-time care of his parents at that time until their passing in 2002 and 2006. He knew just about every back road and every trout stream in the state and saw it all at the tree top level by helicopter as part of his job at the Power Co. He inspected lines and poles by foot and by air twice a year. After retirement he was involved with the project of GPS Mapping the entire system as a consultant with GEO Research out of Montana.
Larry was a Lifetime Member of the Mountainaire Barbershop Chorus which he joined in 1983. He was a member of the Board of Directors and held the post of membership Vice President. He worked tirelessly on committees to produce yearly concerts held within the Clarksburg/Fairmont/Morgantown communities. Larry was also a member of the New Tricks Barbershop Quartet for seven years.
Larry became a Master Mason in 1971, a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge (Joseph W. Summers Lodge No. 173). He became a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite three years later. He became a member of the Morgantown Moose Lodge #264 in March 2006. In the spring of 2007, he became a Charter Member of the VOFFC Fishing Club in Venice, Fla., (Venice Old Farts Fishing Club) where he made many lifelong friends. Larry enjoyed fishing or just talking fishing with his numerous friends at the South Jetty in Venice. He loved the mountains of West Virginia and enjoyed day trips travelling on back country roads or renting a cabin with his sons for quality father-son time. He loved the smell of fresh mountain air. He was always up for travelling, especially Yellowstone and Traverse City, Mich. His fondest memory was his two-month trip out west with his wife, Donna.
Larry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna (Watt) McElroy, sons, Lee Edward McElroy (Jeanette), Scott McElroy, step-daughter, Jenna Kirchartz (Gail Bowmar), grandson, Hunter Morgan McElroy; and granddaughter, Katy June McElroy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Rebecca McElroy.
Our sincere thanks to Morgantown Hospice Amedisys (Molly, Sarah, Crystal, Rebecca, Lisa, and Karen) for their loving care, concern, and guidance during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Larry’s memory to Laurel Point Church, 328 Sugar Grove Road Morgantown, WV 26501.
Friends may call at McCulla Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, and on Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service with John Neely officiating. Interment will follow at Arnettsville Cemetery.
Condolences:
www.mcculla.com
