Robert Darrel McAlavy

Robert Darrel McAlavy, 77, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital. He was born Jan. 16, 1931, in Sylvan Grove, Kan., to Ray and Mary McAlavy, the third of seven children. The family moved to Jewell, Kan., in 1948, and he graduated in 1950 from Jewell High School. He married Maxine Louder on Nov.16, 1951. They enjoyed 56 years together.

Bob joined the U.S.A.F. on Jan. 1, 1952. He served overseas with the 8th Troop Carrier Squadron. He earned the Korean Service, United Nations, National Defense and other medals while in the service. He was discharged in December 1955 at Larson Air Force Base, Moses Lake.

Bob began his civilian employment as an A & E mechanic for Boeing Co. and wanting to stay in Eastern Washington, he began his career as a heavy equipment and crane operator through the Equipment Operators Union #370. This construction career led him to seven dams, bridges, canal and highway building projects under way throughout the Northwest. For a time he was a self-employed truck owner/operator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Theo Ray and his sister Alice Irene Ragland.

Bob is survived by his wife, Maxine; his sons, Robert A. and Clark and Lynn McAlavy; daughters, Lori Buchmann and Janet Scott; grandchildren, Gene and Timothy Buchmann, Connie Bellows, Jessica and Nick McAlavy and Magan and Morgan Scott; five great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph; sisters, Lila Mizner, Sylvia Rutledge and Donna Perkins and his dog Jack.

Memorial services with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories with Rev. Steve Rice officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.