John Armstrong

MARIETTA, Ga. -- John E. Armstrong, 81, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at Autumn Breeze Health Care Center in Marietta after declining health since May 2012.

He was born Aug. 1, 1931, to John T. and Esther Armstrong in Chicago. The family then lived in Iowa and moved on to Wappapello, Mo. He married Arlette Marie Chrisophe in 1965. She preceded him in death in September 1988.

John served his country in the U.S. Army.

He graduated from College of the Ozarks in Arkansas, majoring in education and sociology.

He was a schoolteacher and counselor at the Vocation of Rehabilitation in Cape Girardeau, worked in maintenance at the old Florsheim Shoe Factory in Cape Girardeau and worked in security as well as sales at Argos Package Store. He retired from JAMP Special Education in Southern Illinois. He enjoyed volunteering at Saint Francis Medical Center before moving to Georgia.

Survivors include his daughter, Michele Armstrong Chandler of Canton, Ga.; three special siblings, Wilaneta Pieroni of Peoria, Ill., Carole Richard of Wappapello and Dean Armstrong of Wappapello; two dear nieces and seven dear nephews; and a very, very special lady in his life, Edith.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

Burial with full military rites will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.