FORMER POPLAR BLUFF DOCTOR JERRY F. MCLANE DEAD AT 63

Businessman and former Poplar Bluff physician Jerry Franklin McLane of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1998, at his home. He was 63.

He was born Feb. 19, 1935, in Piedmont, son of Joseph Hal and Octa Gertrude Twidwell McLane. He and Sandy Mercer were married May 27, 1993, in Las Vegas, Nev.

McLane was a 1953 graduate of Piedmont High School, and 1961 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School. He played on the high school and university basketball teams.

He did graduate work and internships at Barnes Hospital and St. Louis University Hospital.

McLane began his OB/GYN practice in Poplar Bluff, delivering more than 5,000 babies. He practiced for 27 years, retiring in 1988.

In addition to his medical practice, he owned a five-bank holding company, First Midwest Banks, in Southeast Missouri.

He also owned a grocery business more than 40 years, which included 21 stores at one time, under the name of Ward's Big Star.

McLane owned shopping centers and other real estate holdings in Southeast Missouri. He developed the first shopping center in the Poplar Bluff area of Missouri.

He helped to promote youth activities and was instrumental in getting the Poplar Bluff Showdown Basketball Tournament started. He also provided financial backing in the development of Three Rivers Community College basketball.

McLane moved to Cape Girardeau in 1994 from Poplar Bluff. He attended La Croix United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Joey McLane of Poplar Bluff; two daughters, Jana Poteet of Poplar Bluff, Jerri Williams of Atlanta, Ga.; a stepson, Chris Wheeler of Cape Girardeau; a stepdaughter, Tammy Silvey of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Joann Toney of Piedmont; and four grandchildren.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel from 4-9 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Don Mercer officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum.