Jesse McIntyre Jr.

Jesse McIntyre Jr., 88, of Oak Ridge passed away Monday, March 28, 2016, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 30, 1927, in Jackson to Jesse and Lora Crites McIntyre.

Jesse was a Navy combat veteran of World War II, serving aboard several aircraft carriers, on South Pacific islands and during the Cold War.

During the 1960s, he worked in the McDonnell-Douglas Space Program, which developed both the Gemini and Mercury spacecraft. He retired from Carter Carburetor in St. Louis, where he worked 25 years.

He loved working on antique cars and tractors, junking and spending time with his family. He possessed the unique ability to find almost anything someone was looking for.

He was a member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson, a life member of Veterans of Foreign War Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and a member of the Henry Leavenworth Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Survivors include the love of his life, Joyce McIntyre; two sons, Jesse (Trudy) McIntyre III of Kansas City, Missouri, and Ronnie McIntyre of Jackson; a daughter, Debra (Scott) Stockton of Jackson; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Roy, Orville and Albert McIntyre; a sister, Patrish Hockle of Fruitland; and an infant sibling.

Joyce loved him with all his flaws, and in her the concept of ceaseless love could find no better example. He simply loved her, too. He equally loved and was immensely proud of his children. Through him, his children experienced antique cars, selling of produce throughout the greater St. Louis area and junking.

Like all McIntyres, he was a first-class storyteller whose tales were both entertaining and insightful. His stories included growing up in Southeast Missouri during the Depression, military service, people he met and events he experienced. He was proud of his military service and instilled in his children a sense of duty and personal responsibility. Although he is with the Lord, he remains ever-present in the thoughts and love of his family here on earth.

Visitation will be Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the observance of an American Legion service by Altenthal-Joerns Honor Guard. Visitation will continue until service time.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bradley Crites officiating. Burial will be at New Salem Cemetery in Daisy, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to American Legion Post 158.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.