Larry Dean McAdow, age 74, of Halstead, KS passed away surrounded by his family on September 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 25, 1949, in Newton, Kansas, to Floyd and Nadine McAdow.
Larry proudly served his country as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner on the UH-1 Huey during two tours in Vietnam. His military service shaped his character and instilled a deep sense of duty and commitment to others.
In 1972, Larry married his beloved wife, Tootie L. Hunter. Together, they raised two children, Dwight McAdow and Brandee Palmer, who were his greatest pride and joy. Larry's love for his family was matched only by his passion for hunting and educating others about it.
A dedicated employee, Larry spent most of his career at Boeing, where he contributed to the aerospace industry. However, it was his work in Hunter Safety Education that truly defined him. For over 50 years, he served as an ethics instructor, passionately teaching the importance of safe hunting and gun handling to countless children. His commitment to this cause earned him the prestigious Winchester Instructor of the Year in 2003 and a place in the International Hunter Safety Hall of Fame in 2010.
When he wasn’t teaching, Larry could be found in the great outdoors, hunting or assisting landowners with tasks like mending fences. His love for nature and the camaraderie of fellow hunters was evident in everything he did.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom McAdow, brother-in-law Benny Paul Hunter and Sister-in-Law Linda Judway.
He is survived by his wife, Tootie; children Dwight (Julia) McAdow and Brandee (Trygve) Palmer; sisters Judy Cable and Mereta (Randy) Higgins; brothers Ronnie (Deb) McAdow and Donnie (Bev) McAdow; sister-in- law Karen Pulaski, sister-in-law Betty Hunter; brother-in-law Steve (Keiko) Hunter; brother-in-law Michael (Donna) Hunter brother -in -law Terry Judway, three grandchildren Derek McAdow, Ethan Palmer and Emma Palmer; lifelong buddies Rick (Kathy) Schumock, Mike (Rose) Corby, Wayne (Judy) Doyle; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends who will miss his warmth, wisdom, and laughter..
Memorial Donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Larry’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. He would want his family and friends to remember him with laughter and good memories. And with a twinkle in his eye, he humorously insisted on us making sure he did not vote Democrat in the upcoming 2024 election.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.