JONESBORO, Ill. -- Robert Ward "R.W." McAlister, age 49, of Jonesboro passed away at 8:16 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 5, 1972, the son of Bob and Kristie Dillow McAlister.

R.W. served as minister of the Anna (Illinois) Church of Christ. He worked as an agriculture instructor at Southeast Missouri State University and was also a farmer. R.W. also served on the school board at Jonesboro Elementary School for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Renee McAlister; daughters, Katie (Elijah) Boren and Holly (Lee) Tellor; son, Jason McAlister; mother, Kristie McAlister; brother, Bryan (Mendy) McAlister; several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other relatives.

R.W. was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Bob" McAlister; sister, Amy McAlister; paternal grandparents, Robert and Irene McAlister; and maternal grandparents, Ward and Virgie Dillow.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Anna Church of Christ with his brother, Bryan McAlister, officiating. Interment will immediately follow at St. John's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Paragould Children's Home, SEMO Ag Department or the Southeast Hospital ICU. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is entrusted with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.