McALLISTER, WILLIAM LAWRENCE
“LARRY,” 54, entered into
his eternal rest May 10,
2013 at Hosparus of
Louisville Inpatient Care
Center.
Larry was preceded in
death by his father and
best friend , Jesse L .
McAllister , who is
waiting with open arms
to welcome his son
home.
At the time of Larry’s birth, little was known
about individuals suffering with Down’s
Syndrome, only that their life expectancy was
short. Among the first words spoken by
Larry’s delivering physician was “institution.”
Needless to say, institutionalization was out of
the question, however, those infamous words
of encouragement given by the doctor, “don’t
expect anything , but celebrate his
accomplishments...love him and you will be
rewarded by his accomplishments,” came to be
the hallmark motto Larry’s family and friends
have lived by for 54 years. It goes without
saying that Larry’s accomplishments have
been extraordinary.
Larry began his school journey at the age of
eight, attending Leroy Stevens School with the
primary purpose of helping him develop his
everyday life skills . He continued his
education through the public school system’s
special education program and with the
direction and guidance of countless dedicated
teachers and support staff, Larry graduated
from Millcreek Trainable School at the age of
18, having accomplished reading and writing
skills on a 3rd grade level.
Another of Larry’s accomplishments was in
the area of sports--in particular, the Special
Olympics. Over the years, Larry participated
intrack and field events , bowling and
basketball . His greatest sports
accomplishment, however, was competitive
swimming (backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle
and relay), where he was awarded countless
medals and ribbons.
Larry also had various fine arts interests. He
was skilled at the art of Latch Hook (wall
hangings, rugs and pillows). He was quite an
accomplished guitar player, thanks in large
part to a nun who gave lessons to handicapped
children. But Larry’s life dream and passion
was to be a writer...his idol was “John Boy
Walton.” In fact, for many a year, Larry’s
writing desk (supplied with paper, pencils and
typewriter) was positioned center place at his
bedroom front window.
Larry possessed a love for life that should be
the envy of all. Needless to say, he had a
tremendous love for his family and friends, but
his love went far beyond. He loved his church
and would often be seen handing out bulletins
or taking up the offering on Sunday mornings.
And square dancing...are you kidding? When
most adults had to take several months of
lessons, Larry listened and observed and is
short time was dancing with the best. And
sing...could he ever sing! On more than one
occasion when “Holy, Holy, Holy” was being
sung in church, Larry could be heard above all
others. But his favorite song, above all others,
was surely the popular 70's hit by The
Partridge Family, “I Think I Love You!”
However, it is safe to say the “Larry-Ole-Boy”
would now sing, “I Know I Love You,” as we
love him.
Deep within, Larry knew his limits...or did
he? Nonetheless , Larry ’s “ Spirit o f
Accomplishment” took control of his life and
has left behind a legacy to inspire us all.
“Thanks Buddy for the greatest 54 years of our
lives.”
Larry is survived by his mother, Carol A.
(Katzman) McAllister; brother, Rev. Wayne
G. McAllister (Sharon); sister, Kimberly A.
Hartlage (Earl “Skip”); four nieces, Holly
Poyser, Krista Millington, Bethany Metcalf
and Jessica Hartlage; and nephew, Daniel
Hartlage.
His service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Owen
Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy., with burial
in Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation: noon-8
p.m. Monday.
In lieu of flowers , the family request
donations be made to Hosparus of Louisville.