Archer (Archie) E. McLaurine; 98-Year-Old Bowler

Archer (Archie) E. McLaurine, among the oldest sanctioned league bowlers in the United States, has died in Reseda. He was 98.

A longtime Van Nuys resident, McLaurine died Monday of heart failure, said his daughter Georgia Brooks.

A native of Oak Grove, Mo., he came to California in 1945 and worked as a self-employed small appliance repairman. He began bowling 26 years ago and was a league member at the Brunswick Matador Bowl in Northridge for the past 12 years. He bowled as recently as two weeks ago.

“If he’s not the oldest, he’s certainly one of the oldest sanctioned league bowlers in the U.S.,” said Tracy Murphy, program director at the bowling alley.

He is survived by his daughter Georgia Brooks of Van Nuys; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren. His wife, Gladys McLaurine, died in 1963.

A graveside service was held Friday with burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Contributions can be made in McLaurine’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.