MC ANULTY, Van P. "Mac" - b. April 6, 1927 - d. September 16, 2011

[patyrn]

Lt. Col Van P. "Mac" McAnulty (Retired), 84, a resident of Russellville, Arkansas, died September 16, 2011 at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He was born April 6, 1927 in Udall, Kansas to Merle Dowe and Eva Mae Fields McAnulty.

He joined the United States Marine Corps and later graduated from Grenola High School in Grenola, Kansas and Kansas State University.  He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for 20 years and was a squadron commander upon retirement.  He flew KC 135 refuelers and served in the Vietnam War.

"Mac" was best known for his indelible Irish humor/sutbbornness/ opinions and love of the outdoors.  Among his greatest joys was a cabin he built in the Ozarks with family and friends.  He was involved in several businesses and worked for Vision Electric for many years.  He was a member of Central Presbyteriian Church and the Kiwanis where he was a two-time Kiwanian of the Year.  He was active in the Boys and Girls Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Military Officers Association of America.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna McAnulty of Russellvlle, Arkansas (originally from Howard, Kansas); two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Julia McAnulty of Muskogee, Oklahoma and John and Deborah McAnulty of Overland Park, Kansas; a daughter and son-in-law, Suzy and Rusty Mullen of Little Rock, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Lindsey, Chase and Patrick McAnultey of Overland Park, Kansas and Chris and Ashley Mullen of Little Rock, Arkansas; a step-grandson, Matthew Maul; great-granddaughter,
Avery; and a niece, Cheri Carlisle of Las Vegas, Nevada.  He was preceded in death by his parents, who lived in Grenola, Kansas, and a sister, Jean Ramsey.

Visitation was held on September 22, 2011 at Shinn Funeral Service in Russellville, Arkansas.  All other arrangements were privte and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.  In lieu of floers, memorials may be made to Russellville Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 1801, Russellville, Arkansas 72811 or Central Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 400 W. Main, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

(published in the Prairie Star - 9/21/2011)