Eldon Hugh Mackey, 78

A memorial visitation for Eldon Hugh Mackey, 78, of Mountain Grove, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Mr. Mackey died Oct. 5 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. 

He was born Nov. 14, 1938, at Rockbridge, the son of Ralph and Geneva Edwards Mackey. He grew up on the family farm at Rockbridge and engaged in all the farming activities to help support the family. He also got in some fishing and cave exploring. He attended Lower Brixey School and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1957. 

After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and made a career of it, serving throughout the United States. While he was stationed in San Diego, California, he met Tinzie Mims. They were married March 31, 1959, in San Diego. Mr. Mackey retired from the Navy after 23 years, attaining the rank of master chief. He never lost his patriotism for America. He made flag boxes for families who lost a veteran and was active with the American Legion. For several years he took flags to Souder Cemetery in Ozark County to place on veterans’ graves, as well as others. In later years, his grandson, Scott, helped him with this effort. He repaired many broken headstones in the cemeteries. He was still praying for the country in his last hours.

Mr. Mackey had many talents. He was mechanically minded and could fix just about anything, from radios to cars. He was a gifted artist when he was very young. He could design and make clothes. He was a talented woodworker and made many beautiful pieces of furniture that he lovingly shared with his family members. He loved to work with grandson Scott and taught him and his son Bryan about woodworking. For many years he was raised Red Poll cattle, showing them in fairs and getting top prices for the cattle he sold. He was also talented musically and could play at least a little bit on any instrument; he had a wonderful deep  singing voice.

Above all, Mr. Mackey was a devoted Christian. He attended the Church of Christ in Mountain Grove and spent a lot of time studying the Bible, rightly dividing the word of truth and answering questions asked of him. 

He was devoted to his family. He and Mrs. Mackey frequently hosted gatherings at their house at family reunion time or on the Fourth of July, treating everyone to food and fireworks. Mr. Mackey was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include Tinzie Mackey, his loving wife of 58 years; two sons, Bryan Mackey and wife Peggy of West Plains, and David Mackey and companion Jan of Mountain Grove; one daughter, Susan Taylor and husband Dan of Tecumseh; nine grandchildren, Russell Schilling, Austyn Schilling Ellison, Travis Mackey, Scott Mackey, Joseph Edwards, Rebekah Edwards Frazier, Nicki Taylor Valbracht, Chris Taylor and Lauren Mackey Mahin; 18 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Judy Williams and husband Harold of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Nancy Turner and husband Charles, and Mary Knox, all of Mountain Grove; one brother, Billy Mackey  and wife Tugta of San Antonio, Texas; one uncle, Doin Mackey of Prairie Village, Kansas; one aunt, Anne Mackey of Kansas City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, infant Rubye Mackey and Anna Mackey; one granddaughter, Amanda Lea Edwards; one sister and brother-in-law, Linda Mackey McGowan and husband Pat; one nephew, Brad McGowan; one niece, Micki Johnson Kline; grandparents Hugh and Linna Haynes Edwards and Arch and Minnie Parker Mackey; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private family graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Souder Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be expressed at craighurttfuneralhome.com

Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, directors.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423