Name: Celebration of Life for Edward Mac McDermott
Start: 2019-07-12T17:30:00.000Z
End: 2019-07-12T19:30:00.000Z
Location: American Legion Hall

My beloved husband, Edward (Mac) McDermott quietly passed away the evening of June 25, 2019. He had suffered massive heart failure and could not survive the event.

Mac was the perfect (almost) example of a Marine Sergeant Major. He entered the Corps in 1955 in New Jersey, his birth place, and retired on the parade deck at MCAS, Yuma in January, 1985 after 30 years and 3 days of honorable service.

Mac was beloved by his former troops and fellow Marines. He started Desert Bass Anglers fishing club in 1988 after wanting to provide a fun, inexpensive club for friendly competition. I came into his life on November 10, 1992. Everyone he met after that was shown the picture of our first date to the Marine Corps Ball that year. Eventually he taught me to fish, bought me my own boat, and together we grew Desert Bass to be one of the largest fun fishing clubs in Yuma. We had no meetings since we were a fishing club. We enjoyed the love and competition with hundreds of anglers from across the west. Mac ran the club as only a retired Sergeant Major could. Mac supported and cherished me throughout our 27-year life together. We both said that he was my first and final husband and I was his 6th and final wife!

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Ruth, sister Judy and numerous beloved fur children who have met him on the Rainbow Bridge.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi Stevenson-McDermott; brother Bryan and wife Jocelyn; son-in-love Master Sergeant Matthew Yates and his lady Brandy; son Joseph Settles and his lady Grace; brothers- in- law Jim Stevenson and wife Kris, and John Stevenson and wife Betty.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at the American Legion Hall, 2575 S. Virginia Drive, Yuma, AZ from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. All are welcome to attend, and as you know, Mac was not usually a fashion statement in his shorts and flip flops, so dress comfortably.

Mac would love donations to the Humane Society of Yuma as a memorial to him. All of our fur children are rescues, and donations to whichever program of HSOY you choose will be perfect. He particularly loved the Feral Cat Program and the Spay/Neuter program.

Mac was an amazing Marine, father, husband, and mentor: no better friend and no worse enemy. He is so loved. Mac stories will survive forever.

No flowers, please.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun on Jun. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward McDermott

Sponsored by Yuma Mortuary & Crematory.

10 Entries

Eric Hanson

October 12, 2019

I served under SGT Major McDermott from 1981-1983. I had nothing but respect for man both as a soldier and a leader.

I was privileged to have had Mac's wisdom and guidance in the fact that he had spent time with me both in the office and on the bowling team on base giving me guidance and encouragement as well as a stern eye when needed.

He will be sorely missed and I salute the man for being a true leader and dedicated soldier who wore the uniform with command and respect and served his country honorably.

July 7, 2019

Bobbi, I'm so sorry to hear MAC passed. I know you'll miss him greatly. He was one you didn't let get away. Some go a lifetime not knowing what you and Mac had together, he gave you many memories to smile about. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Toni Adkins

July 4, 2019

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Sharon Williams

July 3, 2019

Bobbi - so sorry about your loss. My condolences.

Jeffrey Woods

July 3, 2019

You meet many people in life that have such a positive influence when you're around them, but its rare to meet a person that still has a positive influence even when not present. Sergeant Major Mac McDermott was one of only a few I have ever met that made the world better when present and will continue long after he's gone. It was a honor to have known him. Thank you Mac. for always being the first to help. Marina and I send our prayers and condolences to Bobbi and the entire Yuma community for your loss! Apparently, even heaven still needs a few good marines.

Ed Beals

July 1, 2019

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mac. He was a great man and will be missed by all. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Patrick Stuebs

July 1, 2019

I had the pleasure of servicing Mac's vehicles years ago. I always looked forward to his fishing stories (all true). He was very proud that his wife had her own boat and was a better fisherman that him! May he rest in peace!

Darcy Root

June 30, 2019

Bobbi I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved when Mac came into the office (dental). His jokes and fishing stories would brighten my day. Yuma has really lost a legend for sure. Prayers to you and all his family and friends.

Larry Bahr

June 28, 2019

I'm sorry for your loss, and it is a great one. My son and I had the pleasure of having Mac for our fishing guide this past March. I was stationed in Yuma in the early 90's and my son was there for a couple months for WTI. We found Mac's card at the local tackle shop and contacted him to take us out fishing. The fishing wasn't the greatest that day but I've had few days on the water that I'd say were any better than the day we spent fishing with Mac. The stories have been repeated numerous times since that day. We had the feeling we were spending the day with a legend of the Marine Corps. I have no doubt that had Clint Eastwood had the same opportunity he would have directed a block buster movie of Mac's life from childhood with his father to his days fishing later in life. Mac is a true hero and warrior that served his country to the fullest extent possible and later in life continued to make the world a better place through his commitments to the fishing club for everyone to enjoy!

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