Howard Clem McAlister was born on March 2, 1924, on a farm near State Center, Iowa, the son of James Merle McAlister and Leona Anna Pfantz McAlister. He attended Franklin Elementary School in Marshalltown and Marshalltown High School, graduating in the Class of 1943. He played guard on the high school football team. While in high school, he worked for Mead's Dairy as a "hopper," riding on the home delivery trucks, running the dairy products up to the milk boxes in front of the houses. Mac served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater in Guam and Saipan.

He married Patricia Anne Thatcher on June 5, 1947, at the famed Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They were blessed with 3 children: Sandra Jo, Richard Lynn, and Michael James.

After returning home from the service, Mac returned to Mead's Dairy as a driver. He worked at Mead's Dairy for 40 years and ended up as the Supervisor of all the drivers. After retiring from the dairy, he worked for 6 years in maintenance at the Marshalltown Mall.

Mac was a member of the Marshalltown Optimist Club, an international service organization that focuses on projects aimed at helping children. He and Patty were members of Trinity Lutheran Church at 1011 S. 3rd Avenue in Marshalltown.

He enjoyed making and flying model airplanes. He loved sports of all kinds and spending time with his family. He was skilled at woodworking and built their home where his wife still lived in 2023.

Howard Clem McAlister passed away at home on Saturday, August 31, 1996. He is survived by his wife, Patty; 3 children: Sandra Jo Wertman, Richard Lynn McAlister, and Michael James (Karen) McAlister; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters: Jane Louise Lurvey and Ann Marie Polley; and 1 brother Delos (Dorothy) McAlister. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Virgil M. McAlister.

Arrangements were by and Visitation was at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Funeral services were celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 4. Burial followed at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.