Alfred McCain

TAMMS, Ill. -- Alfred McCain, 84, of Tamms died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 14, 1923, at Neelys Landing, Mo., son of Robert and Bertha J. Hargraves McCain. He and Johanna Slack were married Sept. 23, 1950, in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death April 22, 2003.

McCain served in the U.S. Army from Dec. 23, 1941, to Nov. 8, 1945. He was in the Battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, Normandy, Central Europe, Northern France and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honored by the country of France in 2004 for taking part in the liberation of France.

He was chief engineer more than 35 years on a riverboat, heavy equipment operator 31 years, lived in Cape Girardeau and Tamms areas all his life, member of Operators Engineer Union 513. He was a member of VFW in Cairo, Ill.

He is survived by two sons, Alfred Lee McCain and wife Cathy of Cape Girardeau, David McCain and wife Donna of Olive Branch, Ill.; two daughters, Elva McCain of Tamms, Linda Shumaker and husband Dale of Olive Branch; five grandchildren, Carmen Copeland and husband Jason, Jarod Shumaker, Tiffany Schultz and husband Justin, Jessica Johnson and husband Jim, Joshua McCain; three great-grandchildren, Alix Copeland, Marissa Copeland and Aubrey Schultz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, six brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rob Mehner officiating. Burial will be in Hobbs Chapel Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.