Alfred John McAllister

Alfred John McAllister
March 5, 1934 – September 2, 2022

Alfred John McAllister of Draper, Utah, was born March 5, 1934 in Kanab, Utah. He was the third of seven children born to John H. and Mary Roxa Lund McAllister.

John was raised in Kanab, Utah until the age of 5 years when the family moved to Salt Lake City. John spent his growing up years in East Salt Lake City. He was proud of his Eagle Scout award. He loved sports and competed in diving, swimming, basketball, football and track. At East High School he competed in football and track and field. John attended the University of Utah on an athletic scholarship, competing in Track and Field John was also a member of the Air Force ROTC.

Upon graduation John joined the United States Air Force as a commissioned officer. After discharge, John took a job with the Federal Aviation Administration in the newly developed Air Traffic Control Center in Salt Lake City. He started as a controller, and, with his expertise in air traffic control systems, was selected to help develop computer programs to automate air traffic control systems across the country. His work with the FAA as air traffic control, a supervisor, trainer and data systems specialist lasted 30 years. Upon retiring he pursued his passion for golf as a volunteer rules official for the Utah Golf Association. This position gave him the opportunity to not only play golf regularly, but to travel throughout the state to assist in many UGA Golf Tournaments. John was a lifetime member of the Alpine Country Club.

John would tell you that the most important achievement in his life was meeting and marrying the most beautiful and kind person he ever met--Kara Lee Mortenson. They met at Johnson’s Ice cream, where John made ice cream and Kara Lee served it. John started giving Kara Lee rides home from work and he never stopped—he has given her rides home for 70 years. John and Kara Lee were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. John was a devoted husband.

John also loved being a devoted dad, grandfather and great grandfather. John and Kara Lee have three children—Steve, Mitch, and Susan. John was actively involved in their lives. Recognizing Steve’s musical talent, he bought Steve his first guitar and took him to guitar lessons. This was the start of Steve’s career in music. Mitch loved sports. John spent many hours throwing the football and coaching Mitch in several sports. He also bought Mitch his first drafting table, which began his career in architecture. John encouraged Susan to be an independent woman and pursue her education to become a registered nurse. He was a proud grandfather of 10 children and 24 great grandchildren. Whenever we got together he made sure that each and every one of us knew that he was proud of us and loved us.

John is survived by his three children, Steven (Adele) McAllister, Mitchell (Jacqui) McAllister, Susan (John) Adams, 10 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, LaRee Jones, Grace (Kent) Larsen, Cala (Clark) Allen, and Kathleen (Darrell) Blake. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two of sisters, Haleen McAllister Johnson and Cleo McAllister Barr.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony and love for his Savior. He will always be remembered for his fun personality and great sense of humor!

Funeral services will be held at the Bloomington Stake Center, 200 W. Brigham Road, St. George, UT 84790 on Monday, September 19, 2022. There will be a family viewing from 10 to 11 AM. At 11AM there will be a funeral service.