The term "village undertaker" sounds antiquated and tends to conjure images of colonial or frontier America. Yet in these modern times, there is a man who claimed this title with pride and carried out the duties of honoring the dead and helping grieving families in a time-honored tradition.
Larry McElwain knew from an early age this would be his life's work, but the life of a funeral director is not always cloaked in the black robe of death. Larry looks back on the interesting requests and situations he found himself in. He shares unexpected stories, both serious and humorous. He also remembers the unique personalities that found their way into his life.
Whether you are struggling with grief, helping someone during their time of loss, or finding your way in dark times, Larry's experiences can help.
Larry McElwain spent 45 years as a funeral director helping people though some of the toughest times of their lives. He has helped thousands of families find their way through incredible grief. Larry wants to share what he has learned to help others who are facing the same grief but may not know where to turn. Larry also wants to share his knowledge as a businessman to show others how he turned a small business into a dominate force.
Larry is a proud graduate of the University of Kansas where he earned a bachelor's degree in Public Personnel Administration. He also graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.
Through the years, as Larry grew his business, he also helped guide the city of Lawrence's growth. For decades, Larry has donated his time to many business, community, and charitable organizations. Among his accomplishments, he has served as the President and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and President of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association. Larry has also served in various capacities for the National Funeral Directors Association and as a member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. He has been an avid supporter of education issues, serving as a member of former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius' Business Education Partnership in 2004.
Among his many honors, Larry is a member of the Lawrence Business Hall of Fame, a former Morticians of the Southwest Kansas Funeral Director of the Year, and he has received the Leadership Lawrence Distinguished Alumni Award along with the Distinguished Service Award from the Lawrence Jaycees.
Larry was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up in Maize, Kansas. Larry also loves spending time outdoors. He is an avid hunter and backpacker. Larry is always up for a challenging adventure. He has conquered Japan's Mount Fuji and has summited many of Colorado's tallest peaks. Larry and his wife Susan live in Overland Park, Kansas. They are enjoying life with five children and 13 grandchildren.
Chris Meggs is an author and award-winning journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a journalism degree.
During his career, Chris worked as a reporter and producer for television stations in Topeka, Kansas, Jackson, Mississippi, Portland, Oregon and Kansas City, Missouri. Chris has worked as a reporter, news anchor and producer. He was part of Emmy-winning news coverage in Portland and Kansas City. Chris has also worked in the communications departments of Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City and the marketing department of North Kansas City Hospital. This is Chris' first collaborative project with another author. Chris has authored two fine children's books.'Twas the Night Before Tipoff highlights the history and tradition of KU basketball for young fans by giving them a magical glimpse of what happens inside of Allen Fieldhouse the night before a game. Go Chiefs Go! follows the Kansas City Chiefs along their historic season that ended with a win in Super Bowl LIV.
Chris was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and is a fan of all
