Dr. Max Edward Cordonnier, 71, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 19, 1934, at Carthage, Mo., son of Harold James and Edrie Marie Schopf Cordonnier.

Mr. Cordonnier retired from Southeast Missouri State University in 1992, where he taught 30 years. He also taught a year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and also taught at the University of Kansas while working on his doctorate in English language and literature.

He received a bachelor of arts degree from Park College in Parkville, Mo., doctorate and master of arts from the University of Kansas, and post doctorate from Columbia University in New York City.

Mr. Cordonnier was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, served on the Democratic Committee several years, Faculty Senate at Southeast, member of Danforth Fellows, and National Honor Society.

Survivors include a daughter, Kathy Ann (Jim) Nakaki of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Taylor and Lindsay Nakaki of Los Angeles; and a special friend, Michele Slinkard of Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.