Edgar "Larry" McClary

Edgar L. “Larry” McClary

JERSEYVILLE – Edgar Lawrence “Larry” McClary, 80, passed away at 2:38 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Mercy South Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.

He was born on October 2, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Edgar W. and Fern A. (Nickels) McClary. At the age of two, Larry’s family relocated to Jersey County, where he was raised and graduated with the Class of 1962 from Jersey Community High School.

Larry pursued a career in law enforcement, graduating from the Police Academy and dedicating many years as a police officer and detective with the Alton Police Department. Following his retirement, he moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he worked as a loan officer. In 1985, he returned to the area, finding fulfillment in his work as a limo driver, a job that perfectly suited his love of driving.

On March 8, 2000, he married Donna (Ham) Murphy at the First Baptist Church in Bethalto, and together their marriage has been blessed with many wonderful memories throughout their 24 years together.

Larry was a man of strong faith and an active member of Dow Southern Baptist Church. He found joy in listening to gospel music, taking long drives, and spending time with his family. Vacations with his wife, Donna, were cherished highlights of his life. He was also known for his love of ice cream.

Surviving are his wife, Donna McClary of Jerseyville; three children, Jackie (Dale) Hoyt of Dow, Leslie White of Staunton and Dustin (Tina) McClary of Hobe Sound, Florida; two step-children, William “Bo” Murphy of Saint Louis, Missouri and Sabrina Murphy of Alton; six grandchildren, MaTyka (Kevin) Kulp of Dow, MaTyna (Chris) Fessler of Jerseyville, Alan (Linley) Hoyt of Dow, Alex McClary and his significant other, Nicole Rands, of Brighton, Noelle McClary and Reef McClary, both of Hobe Sound, Florida; ten great grandchildren; a brother and sister in-law, Charles and Cindy McClary of Lolita, Texas; two sisters and a brother in-law, Kathryn McClary of Dixon, Missouri and Elizabeth (Tom) Stanfill of Godfrey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Edgar Lawrence “Eddie” McClary Jr. on March 8, 2001; as well as two sisters and brothers in-law, Joann (Leonard) Martin and Sue (Howard) Landon.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Services at 11 a.m. at Dow Southern Baptist Church.

He will be laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.

In honor of Larry’s love for his church, memorial contributions may be made to Dow Southern Baptist Church, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, who has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com  

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