Wayne L. Mackey

Wayne Leroy Mackey departed this earthly life for his heavenly home on September 8, 2024, at the age of 90. Wayne was born on January 31, 1934, in Camargo, Oklahoma to George E. Mackey and Della Marie (Schandorf) Mackey. He spent his childhood in Camargo and Vici, Oklahoma, attending grade school from 1940 to 1947. The family moved to Arnett, Oklahoma allowing Wayne to attend 7th grade, and he graduated from Arnett High School in 1952.
After high school, Wayne proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, achieving the rank of Specialist (SP4). He was stationed in Korea and Japan. Following his military service, Wayne furthered his education at Clarendon Junior College in Clarendon, Texas, and pursued a bachelor's degree at West Texas A&M from 1958 to 1962. He received his Master's degree from West Texas in 1963. During this time, he worked numerous jobs including running a service station, driving the school bus, and running concrete.
On October 5, 1957, Wayne married his partner for life, Judith P. Branstetter, in Woodward, Oklahoma. In 1958 they welcomed a 4 ½ pound baby girl named Tamara Ann (Mackey) Bay. In 1960 a baby boy, Russell Wayne Mackey, was born at seven weeks old. In 1962 they were blessed with a baby girl Karen Marie (Mackey) Perkins. The family moved to Flomot, Texas where they lived from 1960 to 1965. It was in Flomot that Wayne became Principal, Industrial Arts teacher, and Basketball Coach (boys and girls). The family then moved to Canyon, Texas for summer school. The next two enjoyable years were spent in Pringle, Texas, near Stinnett, Texas, teaching Industrial Arts and driving the school bus for 1st through 8th grade students. In 1969, they moved to Gage, Oklahoma where they settled in for the long haul. Gage had built an Industrial Arts Shop/Welding Equipment building where Wayne taught many students the art of welding and carpentry. He was very proud of his students.
In the early 80's Wayne and Judith built a house and moved to the country where Wayne dedicated himself to farming and ranching and watching his family grow. Wayne worked in the oilfield industry for 23 years before retiring. He had a passion for breaking and training thoroughbred horses, enjoyed his cattle and enjoyed coon hunting. He also had a pig nursery built by Murphy's that is now owned by Seaboard Foods.
Wayne was also a devout member of the Church of Christ, where he faithfully attended and participated in his spiritual community.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, George and Della Mackey; his children, Gayle Marie Mackey, Russell Wayne Mackey, and Karen Marie Perkins; his siblings, John E. Mackey, Georgie Marie (Mackey) Black, and Connie Darlene (Mackey) Williams; brother-in-law Pete L.W. Black; and several other beloved family members, including his father-in-law, Harold T. Branstetter, mother-in-law, Ottilia Elizabeth (Gesell) Branstetter, and brothers-in-law, Eldon Leroy Branstetter and Donald Eugene Branstetter.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith, and their daughter, Tamara Ann Bay. Wayne's legacy also lives on through his cherished 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Zane Meyer and wife Karly; Shianne Johnson and husband Jeramie, along with Jerett and Jaylee; Zack Meyer and wife Kayla, with Kruz, Kinlyn, Kyze, and Karstyn; Fletcher Mackey; Olivia Thibodeau and husband Marc, with Brody and Finn; Elizabeth Mackey; Audrey Mackey, with Kolton; Erick Perkins; Shannon Wilson and husband Brian, with London; and Kenzi Howlingwolf and husband Asa, with Eliana. Wayne is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a great number of relatives he missed getting to see in later years.
Wayne will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to hard work, and his unwavering faith.
Memorials may be made to the:
Wounded Warrior Project
C/O Shaw Funeral Home
P.O. Box 276
Vici, OK 73859.