LaVar McAllister

LaVar Jay McAllister, age 92, of Saratoga Springs, Utah, left this earthly realm on February 12, 2026, after a long, admirably fought battle with Alzheimer's, and lastly a short medical issue.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Kathleen (Collett) for 66 years. He was also a loving father to his children, Deborah Veater (James), Daniel McAllister (Maylene), David McAllister (Rhonda), Heidi Jensen (Dale), Rachel Payne (Boyd), and Bonnie Slocum (Chuck). The in-laws all thought of him as their father. He was a proud grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.

He was born in a garage in Alton, Utah, below the Bryce Canyon cliffs, to very humble parents, Donald and Vilate (Roundy) McAllister. He cherished their teachings and examples throughout his life.  

LaVar was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a 2-year mission in Ontario, Canada. He held many positions in the church throughout his life and always served with devotion and kindness. Together, LaVar and Kathleen served an Inner-city mission in Salt Lake City from 2000 to 2002. He was also active with the Sons of Utah Pioneers. 

After his mission, LaVar served actively in the Navy on the USS Hampton County 803 in the Pacific Fleet. He proudly treasured his time of service for our country, his entire life. He was often thanked for his service when he wore his Navy Veteran hat wherever he went. This made him feel so good.  

For 30 years, he was a treasured teacher to hundreds of 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-graders starting at West Jordan Elementary for 2 years and Edgemont Elementary for the remainder of his career. Many of them remember his teaching of the Raggedy Man as well as reading them The Secret Garden.  

He enjoyed working in the garden during his free time throughout his life. He loved to play the harmonica and ukulele for family gatherings or for whoever requested it. It is difficult to count the friends LaVar had because everyone he met became a friend in minutes.

He loved his family with all of his heart. Family was always the most important thing to him,  after the love and knowledge of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He felt deep love for all those in his church and social circles. Every person who has heard of his passing has mentioned how much they admired his gentle spirit and kind ways. We all love him dearly and feel him with us in every part of life already.  LaVar was not a tall man, but his laughter could fill a stadium.

LaVar was preceded in death by his parents: Donald Leon McAllister, Julia Vilate Roundy, and 2 older brothers, Byron Leon and Lewis William McAllister. He is survived by his brother, Larry Cless McAllister (Kay), and sisters-in-law, Kay McAllister (Byron) and Nancy McAllister (Lewis).

The events honoring LaVar will take place Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Harvest Hills 12th Ward building (270 West Harvest Hills Blvd, Saratoga Springs). The viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. His funeral will be at 12 Noon.

Interment will take place two days later on Monday February 23rd at 12:00 PM at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Williams, 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065. 

To stream services, please visit https://www.youtube.com/live/i-_00LR453I?si=pAN-DYPAkoQUugBy