Jack McLain

Jack Dean McLain, 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

The youngest of 13 children, Jack was born Dec. 9, 1932, in Oriole to Monroe and Myrtle Comer McLain.

He was a 1951 graduate of College High School in Cape Girardeau. Thereafter, he joined the Navy Reserve and worked at Ford Groves in Cape Girardeau. He was called to active duty Feb. 2, 1953, and served honorably through Feb. 2, 1955. While serving at Cherry Point, North Carolina, he met Barbara Jean Ballard. They were married Dec. 29, 1954, in Havelock, North Carolina.

After Jack was discharged, he and Jean resided 26 years in Dunkirk, Indiana, where Jack co-owned and operated the former Dunkirk Standard Station. They were active members of Calvary United Methodist Church in Dunkirk. In 1980, they moved to Tavares, Florida, and Jack worked for a truss company. When he retired in 1994, they moved to Foley, Alabama. They returned to Cape Girardeau in 2005.

Jack liked to do carpentry work and yard work. He also had his pilot's license and especially enjoyed flying.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 65 years, Barbara Jean McLain of Cape Girardeau; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Interment and military honors will be at noon Wednesday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to McLain Chapel Cemetery, 405 Oak Forest St., Jackson, MO 63755.

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