Livestream link for services on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00am https://livestream.com/npw/events/9717353
Don Curtis McLarey II, M.D. passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 60 years of age.
Don was born on August 3, 1960 in Nashville, Arkansas. He was a celebrated physician, caring father and devoted follower of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Curtis McLarey, M.D., and is survived by his mother, Sandra McLarey Lloyd; step-father, Robert Lloyd; sister, Teresa McLarey-Miller; adopted daughters, Katrina McLarey and Jacinda Magee; step- children Orlando Madrid, Joshua Madrid and Laura Madrid.
Growing up in a musical and medical family, Don and his sister were raised to love music, singing and serving others both state- side and on the mission field.
Don used his stature to his advantage in high school football, ranking as an All District Lineman on both Offense and Defense. He was also an excellent baritone placing in both the All District and All Area Choirs for the State of Texas and a lead role in the musical, “Oklahoma”. In fact, his physique, talent and brains won him the title of “Mr. Consolidated” in a male beauty contest. Don was a modest man – even as a teenager – so he was mortified to see the front page of the newspaper with the headline: “The Legs Won It!” alongside a full length picture of him in his swimsuit, but all the girls thought it was great!
After graduating with honors from A&M Consolidated High School, Don played college football at Harding University in Searcy, AR then transferred to Texas A&M in College Station, TX for his pre-med studies. After receiving one of the highest MCAT scores in the nation, he was asked to teach the prep course to show other students how to study for the test. Don became known for his high I.Q., as well as his ability to learn and recall information. You definitely wanted him on your team if you were playing any kind of trivia or numbers game. Who plays 3-D Seduko to relax? Only Don.
While in college, he and his friends formed a singing group called the “DARTS” (Don, Art, Randy and Terry). Don loved playing guitar and singing four-part harmony with his buddies at events, on the road and even at an Aggie football game.
He attended medical school at the University of Texas in San Antonio, and completed his resident training in Internal Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Tulsa, OK.
In 1991 he opened his practice in Carlsbad, NM at the McLarey Medical Center with his father who was a Head and Neck Surgeon along with his mother, sister and brother-in-law who were all R.N.s. He also served as Chief of Staff at the Carlsbad Medical Center.
He moved to Midland, TX in 1997 where he initially worked with Midland FamilyMed, and then with Home Hospice as their region Medical Director. He also served on the Associate Clinical Faculty of the Texas Tech University School of Medicine.
Dr. McLarey was the recipient of numerous awards, honors and recognitions for his medical contributions including the 2010 Hospice Director of the Year for the State of Texas.
He was never without a “pun” or corny joke. He was a walking encyclopedia – especially on the subjects of music and medicine. He was a gentle giant who could bring levity to the heaviest atmosphere, peace and order to chaos and comfort to the suffering. His generous spirit and caring demeanor endeared him to his patients, their families and all who knew him.
The family will be having a Come & Go Reception, Saturday – June 19, 2021 from 10:00am – 12:00pm at New Song Christian Fellowship; 1105 N. Pate Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico.
IN LIEU of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Medical & Dental Society to support medical missions. https://give.cmda.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/1ZKZDQZI#c