Memorial services for Hershel James Mackey 101, of Livingston Texas, will be held Saturday June 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Livingston 910 N. Washington Ave., Livingston TX 77351. Immediately followed by graveside service at Bluewater Cemetery 2211 Bluewater Rd, Livingston, TX 77351. Repass will happen directly after graveside service and will be provided by the South Polk County Volunteer Fire Department at the Taylor Lake Community Center 135 Duke Lane, Livingston, TX 77351.

Hershel was born January 18,1923 in Ace, Texas to Hunter Harris Mackey and Vera Lavinia Munson and passed away May 7, 2024, in Preston, Maryland surrounded by family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis Mackey, Sister Bonnie Jean Guy, sister Elfida (Eda) Mackey Windam and son in-law William Nelson Quidas.

He is survived by his son James Craig Mackey and wife Patricia of Onalaska; daughter Teri Lea Quidas of Preston, Maryland; brother Lindon Mackey and wife Bernie of Bastrop Texas; grandchildren Kerianne Jackson and husband Robert, Jacob Mackey, Carol Collins and husband Eltonio, Nancy Quidas and husband Dennis Greenway. Six Great grandchildren Breya, Nicholas, Lexie, Nellie, Trice and Wyatt; one great-great granddaughter Skyla, and many other relatives and friends.

Hershel enlisted as a United States Navy Seabee's Carpenters mate 2nd Class from January 1943 to January 1946. Then on February 9, 1946, he married the love of his life Phyllis Marie Hepler in Warm Springs Virgina. Shortly after the wedding they moved to California where Hershel took night classes at Belmont High School and graduated in 1947. He then went on to graduate from UCLA with a bachelor's in science in 1952. Hershel then became an industrial engineer at TRW Inc., until he retired in 1984 after 31 faithful years. At that time Hershel and Phyllis moved back to Hershel's hometown of Ace, Texas where they became very active in their community and church.

Hershel had a love for his family, community and County and his community involvement was vast, but the South Polk County Volunteer Fire Department (SPCVFD) was most near and dear to his heart, he was an active member since 1986. He was also on the Ace Community Park Board of Directors, Munson Lake Management Committee, and an Elder at the Presbyterian Church in Livingston. Hershel loved to travel. He spent his summers after retirement traveling with his different grandchildren seeing state parks and monuments, friends and family eventually accomplishing to visit each and every state.

The family would like to give special thanks to Wendy Fields for tirelessly taking care of Hershel day in and day out, and to Hospice for their amazing support. And to Christopher Moehlmann the SPCVFD fire chief for always being there no matter what, no matter when, checking in, fixing problems and keeping us informed.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the South Polk County Volunteer Fired Department at SPCVFD P.O. Box 657, Ace, Texas 77326.