John J. "Doc" Yallaly

John “Doc” Yallaly, 93, of Cape Girardeau, passed away on March 3, 2025. He lived a long, fulfilling life, and was beloved by friends and family. He was born December 30, 1931 in Cape Girardeau, MO to George and Genevieve Doll Yallaly. After graduating from Cape Central high school, John worked at Southwestern Bell. In 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and played baseball for the army. After being discharged from the army, John returned to Cape Girardeau and resumed work for Southwestern Bell, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Criddle. John and Barbara were married in 1963. Throughout his life, John took an active part in volunteering and community service. John was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Cathedral, and a “Fourth Knight” with the Knights of Columbus. John worked tirelessly with the Capaha Park Improvement Committee. John also enjoyed several hobbies, including sports, hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and coaching. John also loved animals, his wife, and his daughter. In 1956, John started coaching the Cape Girardeau American Legion baseball team, and continued to coach the team for 40 years, touching countless young lives. The team won two state championships under John’s stewardship. In 1967, John helped establish V.I.P. Industries, an organization that serves individuals with a broad spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some of John’s awards and accomplishments are listed below. 2023 Inducted into the MO American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame 2017 Parks & Recreation Cape Noon Optimist Club Youth Sports Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 Distinguished Legionnaire for the State of Missouri. 2011 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award. 2003 V.I.P. Industries - Founders Award 2003 Spirit of America Award 1998 Missouri Veterans Home Volunteer of the Year 1981 Inducted into the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Yallaly of Cape Girardeau and a daughter, Kathy (John) Coffman of Cape Girardeau. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and four sisters. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Ford & Sons Sprigg St. Chapel in Cape Girardeau, with Parish Prayers beginning at 4:00 pm followed by Knights of Columbus #1111 Rosary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary Cathedral, 615 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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John J. "Doc" Yallaly

December 30, 1931 - March 3, 2025