Karl D McAllister

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Karl D. McAllister, was born on August 22, 1933, in Panguitch, Utah. He is the eldest of three children born to Martin Lindsay and Minerva Grace Dickinson McAllister. 

Karl was raised in Panguitch and graduated from Panguitch High School, where he was a proud member of the Bobcat basketball and baseball teams. Following graduation, Karl married and was sealed for time and all eternity to JoAnne Dowdell, his high school sweetheart, on July 17, 1953, in the St. George Temple. Karl and JoAnne had three children: Kim (daughter), Steven Karl (son), and Melanie (daughter). 

Following their marriage, Karl left Panguitch to pursue higher education at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Being involved in the Air Force ROTC during college, Karl joined the United States Air Force following his graduation from Utah State and was consecutively assigned to San Antonio, Texas; Reno, Nevada; Fort Dix (Trenton), New Jersey; and Dayton, Ohio when he was recruited as a pilot. After studying intensely for his Military Air Transport Service (MATS) certification, he became a pilot flying transport and surveillance aircraft and missions. 

During the Vietnam War, Karl was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, for one year away from his family, serving his country through many hardships and in many dangerous conditions.

Following his assignment to South Korea, Karl was transferred to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he completed the rest of his career with the Air Force. Karl received many commendations and advancements due to his integrity, courage, and strong leadership. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Karl pursued subsequent careers in Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Physics, working at the Nevada Test Site as the Director of myriad underground controlled nuclear blasts; with EG&G, where he continued his liaison with the Nevada Nuclear Test Site; and lastly, working in the solar energy and photovoltaics programs with Sandia Laboratories. Following his civilian retirement around 1998, Karl dedicated many years to serving in the Albuquerque Temple and teaching his grandchildren his love for the outdoors. Karl always enjoyed camping and hunting with his family, and many of his fondest times were spent enjoying his grandchildren, teaching them the skills and hobbies he had learned as a youth in the beautiful outdoors of Southern Utah. To the delight and relief of their parents, Grandpa Karl taught all 8 of his grandchildren to drive (from a very young age!). 

In 2002, Karl and JoAnne moved to Las Vegas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Karl served in the Las Vegas Temple as an ordinance and veil worker for many years. Karl’s children and grandchildren loved him for his constant and unconditional love for them, for his kindness, love, generosity, dedication, wise counsel, support, and for always being their biggest fan – especially in their respective sports! If it was possible to get there, Grandpa never missed a game. Grandpa Karl actively supported five Eagle Scout grandsons to achieve many of their outdoor merit badges. Grandpa Karl also got to know and spend time with all eleven of his great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy!

For one lone boy from a small town who started with not much, Karl built an impressive career and grew into a highly respected, extremely intelligent, multi-talented, fearless yet kind, service-oriented man totally devoted to God and his family. 

Karl’s unconditional love, wisdom, generosity, and support made him an integral part of his loved ones’ lives, and he will be greatly missed by us all.

Funeral services will be held next Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Panguitch Stake Center. A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:00 am prior to the services. The burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery. FUNERAL DIRECTORS: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, Manti