Robert Ward “R.W.” McAlister

Robert Ward “R.W.” McAlister, 49, of Jonesboro, died at 8:16 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

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

He served as minister of the Anna Church of Christ. He worked as an ag instructor at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and also was a farmer. 

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

 He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Bob) McAlister; a sister, Amy McAlister; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Irene McAlister; and his maternal grandparents, Ward and Virgie Dillow.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, at the Anna Church of Christ, with his brother, Bryan McAlister, officiating. Interment immediately followed in St. John’s Cemetery near Dongola. 

Memorials can be made to Paragould Children’s Home, the Southeast Missouri State University Ag Department or to the Southeast Hospital ICU.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.  

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.