Jack Dean McLain

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

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

He was a 1951 graduate of College High School in Cape.  Thereafter, he joined the Navy Reserve and worked at Ford Groves in Cape Girardeau.  He was called to active duty February 2, 1953 and served honorably through February 2, 1955.  While serving at Cherry Point, he met Barbara Jean Ballard.  They were married December 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 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, February 19, 2020, at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Interment and military honors will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri

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

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

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