Dr. John McAllister

Dr. John G. "Jerry" McAllister, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 13, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born June 28, 1928, in Leslie County, Ky., son of August and Nellie Brockhuiszen McAllister. He and Betty Kidder were married June 6, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa.

McAllister served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 14, 1952, to Sept. 13, 1954.

McAllister graduated from Simpson College in 1949 with a bachelor of arts degree. He received a master's degree and doctorate in special education from Denver University. He taught 29 years at Southeast Missouri State University.

He was active in United Cerebral Palsy in Missouri, helped in establishing the Kenny Rogers Center in Sikeston, Mo., and was a member of State Board of United Cerebral Palsy.

Survivors include his wife, Betty McAllister of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Mark McAllister and wife Dr. Cheryl McAllister of Bollinger County, Mo., Dr. Milton McAllister and wife Dr. Bridgette McAllister of Urbana, Ill.; three grandchildren, Jacqueline McAllister of Bollinger County, Margot Hart and husband Jeremy of Chesterfield, Mo., and Ryan McAllister of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to service time Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Hom.

A memorial service will be held at noon Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church Local Aid Fund or the charity of one's choice.