Donald Mackey

Donald F. Mackey, son of Tola A. (Skaggs) and Otho A. Mackey was born in August of 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri and died on November 25, 2016. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Valeria Ann Mackey; his sweet daughter, Gail Parrish; his two dear sisters, Thelma Kehresand Marcella Vogel; and his son-in-law Ronald House. At a young age he began to develop a love of music and became a drummer. After graduating from high school at age 16 he joined the St. Louis Musicians Union, and also attended Rankin Technical College completing an electrical training program. He began working with his step father, Julius Heitz, his mother and 2 sisters in their family business, Heitz Lumber Company. Managing the family business became his career. He entered the Armed Forces in March of 1951 and served state side as an electrician, until his departure in March of 1953. Before entering the army he fell in love with Valeria Evering, his ballroom dancing instructor, and they were married on April 25, 1953. They danced together until the end. They were blessed with 4 children: Patricia (House), Ellen (Meek), Gail (Parrish) deceased, & Claire (Jones). Don had 4 grandchildren: Elizabeth Vaughn, Sue Ellen Minich, Garrett Meek, and Donald Meek. He had 6 great grandchildren: Jacob Vaughn, Allysa Vaughn, Eiley Minich, Weston Minich, Brody Meek and Brooks Meek. Don and Val were members of the South Side Imperial Dance Club. His home was filled with music and dancing. His daughters have fond memories of Don and Val giving them and their friends dance lessons. Don was an avid out doorsman, and loved animals, hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed training his hound dogs and they shared a special bond. When his children were young they always had chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, even foxes and a raccoon. His daughters hold fond memories of the time spent with their father hunting, riding dirt bikes in the country and fishing in the lakes and streams. They especially cherish the time spent at the cabin he built in the country on Newman Lake in Fredericktown, Missouri, and the trips they took out west exploring, camping and horseback riding in the mountains. Don passed away peacefully on November 25, 2016, at 88 years of age. We will miss his sense of humor, loving, kind, generous spirit, and look forward to seeing him again in the resurrection. Services: Memorial visitation on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS FUNERAL HOMES, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129. March 11, 2017 Saturday
02:00 pm - 07:00 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home (South County)
4830 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129