Joel McCrary Sr.

MCCLURE, Ill. -- Joel W. "Little Joe" McCrary Sr., 69, of McClure died Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 30, 1934, in Corinth, Miss., son of Wayne Herbert and Allive Rogers McCrary. He and Wilma Branch were married Feb. 26, 1952, in Leachville, Ark.

Mr. McCrary was an electrician. He retired in 1990 from IBEW Local 474 in Memphis, Tenn. He lived in Cape Girardeau 33 years, moving to McClure in August 1999. He was a former member of Jackson Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Joel W. McCrary Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Michael McCrary of Butler, Mo.; four daughters, Betty Ann Housman of Cape Girardeau, Jeanie Dittmer and Donna Tidwell of Jackson, Michelle Rogers of McClure; a sister, Joyce Rickman of Kennett, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a granddaughter, Kellie Morgan Dittmer.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dale Rickman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.