John Walter Mackey, Jr., 78, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully Monday, August 14, 2023 in Galesburg surrounded by family.
He was born to John Walter and Clarice Therese (VanCamp) Mackey, Sr. on July 9, 1945 in Davenport, Iowa. John graduated from Corpus Christi High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the USMC serving in Vietnam. He then went on to attend DeVry Technical School. John worked for several years as a deputy for the Knox County Sheriff’s Department before working as a clerk at the United States Postal Service, retiring with 28 years of service.
John is survived by four brothers: Fred Mackey of Frostburg, Maryland, Jerry (JoAnne) Mackey of Denver, Colorado, Dennis Mackey of Machesney Park, Illinois, and Tim (Sue) Mackey of Galesburg; six sisters: Kathleen Elliott of Galesburg, Alice (Roger) Cutts of Galesburg, Margie (Leonard) Nix of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Mary Jo (Larry) Camper of Woodbury, Minnesota, Lori (Gale) Shepherd of Knoxville, Illinois, and Therese Gordon of Coal Valley, Illinois. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Mackey of Iowa, and Deb Mackey of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Patrick and Mike Mackey; two sisters-in-law, Gerri Mackey and DeAnn Mackey; one niece, Jennifer Mackey; and one nephew, Jeffrey Mackey.
In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and hunting. John also liked reading and was a Civil War buff.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family burial of cremated remains with military rites will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 23, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials may be made to Tim & Dee Mackey Family Scholarship Fund at Carl Sandburg College. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
