Alan passed away peacefully after many years of health challenges, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and quiet wisdom. Born with an adventurous spirit, he followed the path of his family’s tradition and joined the United States Navy not only to serve, but to see the world. And he truly did.

Alan served 20 years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, AO1. His career took him across the globe: sailing through the Suez Canal, Cape Horn, and the Panama Canal, crossing the equator and circling the world. He spent time in Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, but his favorite place was Bali. His most memorable duty station was Rota, Spain, where he served his last three years of service. After retirement, Alan and Marty were able to move abroad, a dream they shared and embraced together. This chapter of life was marked both by a noticeable lightness in his spirit and by his deep enjoyment of the cultures around him where he loved exploring new places, new people, and especially new foods.

At home, Alan was a man defined by love and loyalty. As a father of two daughters, he was generous, patient, goofy, and endlessly accepting. He cherished shared adventures, big and small, camping, fishing trips, and especially their trips to Six Flags. He was dependable and fiercely protective, the kind of father who made his daughters feel safe in a world that often isn’t.

As a husband, Alan was never wavering in love, forging a solid foundation for a lifelong love. He was thoughtful and kind, yet quirky and unexpected. He loved completely and unconditionally. A pillar of support, a devoted champion, he was steady and near for every step in life.

Alan was stoic but warm, with a dry sense of humor that could catch you off guard and make you laugh when you needed it most. He was wise in a grounded, unpretentious way as someone who understood life because he had lived it fully.

He will be remembered for his courage, his gentleness, his humor, and the way he embraced the world with curiosity and heart. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his stories, his lessons, and his spirit forward.

Alan was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah McDaniels, and his stepbrother, David Meeks. He is survived by his loving wife, Marty; his father, Jimmy McElheney; his brother, Todd; his stepmother, Charlene; his stepbrother, Richard Meeks; his daughters, Alie and Samantha; and his five grandsons.

Services will be held:                                                                                                                                                                            Monday, May 11th at 4:00pm:                                                                                                                                                                Adams Acres Riverside                                                                                                                                                                            150 Old River Bridge Rd.