Michael L. "Mac" McCarty

Michael "Mac" McCarty, 73, of Dixon, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He worked for Dixon Correctional Center as a Correctional Lieutenant for 25 years, before his retirement in 2008.
Mike was born on May 29, 1951, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Richard and Pauline (McVey) McCarty. He married Sheila (Morris) McCarty on January 10, 1981. She preceded him in death on December 24, 2013. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. While there, he was assigned to the 8th RRFS where his job was to decode enemy messages and actively locate enemy troops using Airborne Radio Direction Finding, a classified method at the time. During his time of service, Mike's most memorable moment was when North Vietnam assaulted South Vietnam in what was called the Easter Offensive. At one point, it was reported in US news outlets that his unit had been massacred. He went on to live a legendary life where he continued to honor those who served before, after and alongside him by becoming a life-time member of local American Legion Post 12 and commander of the Color Guard for many years.
Mike is survived by his children, Kimberly (Keith) Liescheidt of Normal, IL, David (Kris) Vancil of Dittmer, MO, and Sheila Hummel of Dixon, IL. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Dennis Vancil of Dittmer, MO, Charlie Vancil of New York City, Devon Fane of Dixon, Samantha (Joseph) Dailey of Dixon, Alyssa (Jeff Silva) Hummel of Como, IL, and one grand-dog, Macie Rae Liescheidt of Normal, IL. In addition, he had two great-grandchildren, Weston and Octavia Silva, both of Como, IL. He sported his "Bapa" moniker proudly; so much so that some never even knew his real name. He is also survived by his four siblings, Larry (Linda) McCarty, Rick (Carol) McCarty, Kaye McCarty, Nelson (Linda) McCarty, sister-in-law, Nancy (John) Varga, several nieces and nephews, and his loyal, four legged-companion, Theo.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one brother, Todd McCarty.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. There will be a visitation the following day from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon, with Pastor Bobby Dale Sheets, officiating. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. Following services, the family will be hosting a luncheon at the Dixon VFW Post 540 until 5pm.
Memorials may be directed to the General Fund at the American Legion Post 12 in Dixon.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com. To send flowers to the family of Michael "Mac", please visit our floral store.