FORT STOCKTON Richard Gregg McKenzie, born July 6, 1933, passed away September 9, 2013. Gregg is the son of Cleo and Mary Lea Thomson McKenzie. Gregg graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1951. Gregg met the love of his life, Lou Ann Lowry, while attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Gregg and Lou Ann were married Jan 11, 1955, in Weatherford, Texas.
Gregg served in the United States Army from 1954-56 and was stationed in Germany. Upon return from his military duty, Gregg completed his Bachelor of Science degree and obtained his Masters of Arts degree from Sul Ross State University. Gregg was born into a Pecos County pioneer family and was a third generation rancher. Gregg was a science teacher, coached football, track, and basketball in the Fort Stockton Independent School District for 18 ½ years. Gregg was named teacher of the year in 1974.
Gregg was elected Pecos County Commissioner Precinct #1 in 1980 and served in that position until his retirement in 2001. During his service as Commissioner he added 9 holes to the golf course, improved the Civic Center, designed and developed an industrial park to help diversify the local economy, and improved the Fort Stockton/Pecos County Airport. Also during his tenure as Commissioner, Gregg assisted the City of Fort Stockton to bring the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correction Units to Pecos County, including providing funding for needed infrastructure. Gregg led the effort to build the new Pecos County Memorial Hospital and laid the ground work to establish the wind energy industry in Pecos County.
Gregg gave 100% to every endeavor and loved his family, friends and the community of Fort Stockton with all his heart. This love of the community was shown through his years of volunteer service. Gregg was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Fort Stockton and served as Deacon and Elder. During his lifelong service to the community, Gregg served as President of the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce, President of the Fort Stockton Lions Club, Fort Stockton Volunteer Fire Department, Pecos County Livestock Assoc., and Trans Pecos Soil & Water Conservation District. Gregg was named Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Gregg appreciated nature, the outdoors, fishing in Colorado, art, Indian artifacts and archaeology. Gregg was an activist for conserving and protecting our water and soil. Through his efforts of stewardship on his ranch, Gregg was named Outstanding Conservationist Rancher in 1984.
Gregg was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Those left to honor and cherish Gregg's memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Lou Ann, daughter Marsha Riggs and husband Mel of Midland, Texas, daughter Melanie O'Malley and husband Kevin of Houston, Texas. Gregg was a doting grandfather and was blessed with grandchildren: Suzanne Riggs Liscum and husband Jason of Houston, Zane Riggs of Midland, Lauren and Keller O'Malley of Houston and great-granddaughter Vivian Liscum of Houston.
Gregg was predeceased by his parents, Cleo and Mary Lea McKenzie, son Morris Scott McKenzie and 6 siblings: C.R. McKenzie, Bruce McKenzie, Bill Ed McKenzie, Roy Neal McKenzie, Virginia Chapman, Lawrence B. McKenzie; sister-in-laws Carolyn McKenzie Edwards and Billie McKenzie and brother-in-law William Chapman. Gregg is survived by his sister-in-laws, Marilyn "Mickey" McKenzie and Katherine McKenzie. Gregg is also survived by sister-in-law Linda Kinnamore and husband Don of Weatherford, Texas, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Services for Mr. McKenzie will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 13th, 2013, at the Presbyterian Church of Fort Stockton. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charity.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.

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Published by Odessa American on Sep. 11, 2013.