Larry McCarty

Larry McCarty, a quiet man of integrity and honor, was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was trustworthy and faithful, with a selfless heart. He was devoted to his family, and always put them first. He was an avid outdoorsman and would never turn down an opportunity to hunt or fish. He could often be found landscaping, gardening, in the kitchen cooking and creating, restoring furniture or tinkering in his workshop. A loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Larry will always hold a place in our hearts.

On November 12, 1943 Reid and Ardis (Morgan) McCarty gave birth to their first child, Larry Reid, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While Larry was still young, he and his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Larry would spend the remainder of his childhood. In the years to come he was blessed with 2 brothers, Alan and Brian, as well as a sister, Sue. Early in his childhood Larry caught the "outdoor bug" from his father, often helping with yard work. Bow hunting and fishing at their cottage in Bloomingdale on Lake Eleven, became one of their favorite activities. As he grew older, it was discovered that Larry had natural carpentry skills, and as a teenager, he helped his dad with the expansion of their home in Kalamazoo on 11th street. When in his early 20s, he skillfully assisted his dad in building their cottage from the ground in Bloomingdale. He attended schools in Kalamazoo, and in 1962, he became an alumni of Kalamazoo Central High School. After graduation, Larry began to work alongside his father at DeNooyer Chevrolet as a mechanic. He loved his job, and the years went by, he followed in his dad's footsteps as Service Manager. He would continue to work there for 47 years before retiring. Larry was a hard, dedicated worker, and was skilled at his work.

Larry fell in love and married a young woman named Jann Collard, with whom he would have two sons, Steven and Trevor. The family spent many years in Augusta Michigan where they made good memories. Sadly, after fourteen years of marriage, they decided to divorce. In 1980, Larry was introduced to Janice Flanders by their mutual friends, Ron and Ginger. Larry fell deeply in love, and after three years of dating, was married to Janice on August 20, 1983. They became a blended family with the addition of Janice's two children, Christopher and Tia. Larry loved to travel. He received many recognition awards from work which provided memorable travel opportunities. He traveled to numerous places including Paris and Hawaii with Janice. Hawaii quickly became their favorite getaway, as they would return four more times. Larry and Janice enjoyed country music, and went to Tennessee yearly for the 'Fanfair' events. Of all the activities he did, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family most. Staying connected was his most important focus and goal. He loved to interact with the grand children and could often be found engaging in fun play and rough housing. His love for his family was evident and he was truly a "family man".

In his free time, Larry continued to seek the out of doors. He enjoyed target shooting, and often hunted at his brother's cabin west of Big Rapids and at his parent's cottage in Bloomingdale, where he also fished. Time with his brothers was paramount for him. In the winter months, Larry also enjoyed ice fishing with his brothers. It could be said that Larry made memories with his family to last a life time and beyond. It was known that Larry had two green hands, as he could grow just about anything. He took pride in his perfect lawn, and was considered by others to be quite meticulous in his work-- a perfectionist. He grew many fresh fruits and vegetables from his garden, as well as a breathtaking assortment of beautiful flowers. He kept his culinary skills sharpened as he loved to barbecue whenever the weather allowed it. He also enjoyed going out to eat with his sweetheart. He and Janice would take their grandchildren nearly every Friday to their favorite Chinese restaurant. They regularly attended TGIF's in recent years. A fan of Clint Eastwood and Charlton Heston, Larry spent many evenings watching Country Western films, as well as Science Fiction programs. He also loved the nature channels and hunting programs.

Sadly, only a few weeks ago Larry was diagnosed with lung cancer. It quickly metastasized to his bones, lymph nodes and finally to his brain. Abruptly, and without much warning, he passed on January 30, 2011 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with his family at his side. Larry McCarty was a trustworthy, generous man who loved his family dearly. He was a dedicated and independent worker. He loved his work and his associates at DeNooyer, who were an extended family to him. Larry showed great integrity, responsibility and selflessness throughout his life. With a love for the outdoors and a talent for making things grow, Larry took great joy in the world and people around him. A loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Larry will be dearly missed, but always and tenderly remembered.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife Janice McCarty of 28 years; 3 siblings: Alan (Diane) McCarty, Brian McCarty and Sue Coulbourn; 2 children: Steve (Caryn) McCarty and Trevor (Cenia) McCarty; 4 grandchildren: Kyle, Sean, Alex and Austin; 2 step-children: Tia (Randy) Babcock and Christopher (Karen) Flanders; 6 step-grandchildren: Joshua, Shane, Randy, Robby, Carly and C.J., great-granddaughter: Audrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Larry, view his Life Story film, and share in some refreshments with his family and friends on Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900. Services will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1112 N. Drake Rd). Burial will follow at Genessee Prairie Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church cultural hall. Memorial donations may be directed to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints Missionary Fund. Please visit Larry’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home.