W. Alton McCann

William "Alton" McCann, 90, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, surrounded by members of his family.

He was born Feb. 15, 1925, in Cooter, Missouri, the son of Lois "Pete" and LaLa McClure McCann. He and Bettye Brooks were married Feb. 15, 1980, in Canalou, Missouri.

Alton lived life to the fullest, immersing himself in everything he did.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46, receiving a Bronze Service Star.

He worked as a certified public accountant for 40-plus years.

Alton, who was very civic-minded, served wherever he lived. As a member of the Sikeston (Missouri) Jaycees, he was a member of the founding committee of the Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo and also later served as rodeo chairman.

While living in Colorado, he was a member of the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs and worked with the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

In addition to being an avid golfer, he had a deep love of music and was a charter member of the Sikeston Community Choir.

Later in life, he served as a mentor to grade-school children in the Orlando, Florida, area, where he was honored as mentor of the year.

Alton's mission in life was to make people smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Loving survivors include his wife, Bettye, of 35 years; three sons, Lawrence A. McCann of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Patrick T. (Deborah) McCann of Cape Girardeau and David A. (Shelly) McCann of O'Fallon, Illinois; a daughter, Susan L. (Thomas) Enkelmann of Houston; and a stepson, Sean M. (Summer Curtis) of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ray and Charles McCann; sisters, Reva Smith and Jean Geske; and a daughter-in-law, Vickie McCann.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or The USO.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Full military honors will follow the service.

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