John Howard Mackey

John Howard Mackey, son of the late Howard Ivan Mackey and Esther Mae (Nickerson) Mackey, was born on October 20, 1948, in Catskill, New York. He was raised near Preston Hollow, in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, on a dairy farm. It was during this time that John developed the quiet strength and work ethic that would define his life. John graduated from Middleburgh Central School with the Class of 1966 and went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Norwich University with the Class of 1970. When the class celebrated their 50th year reunion, they joined the respected ranks of the Norwich University “Old Guard”. Following his graduation, John was commissioned in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and it was here that he met the love of his life, Margaret Louise Schulz. After John completed his military service, he and Margaret were united in marriage on December 6, 1975, in Richland, Missouri and were just a few months away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. John and Margaret were blessed with one daughter, MaryHelen, who they loved dearly and devoted everything to care for her. John earned his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from UMR (now Missouri S & T). He built a respected career as the owner of J.H. Mackey Associates, licensed professional engineer and land surveyor. He served the local community with dedication, integrity, and honesty. He was known for his precision, fairness, and quiet wisdom. His work left a lasting impact on the region’s development and on everyone with whom he worked. In his spare time and especially after his retirement, John enjoyed working on “The Ranch” as he called the land on Hwy 28. He enjoyed cutting his own trees, working in his woodshop and sawmill, and just being outdoors. The trees he felled, measured and milled became the buildings he constructed by himself. He respected the land, loved being outdoors, and accomplishing his goals with strength and hardwork. John passed away peacefully in his home in Waynesville surrounded by love, having attained the age of 76 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife: Margaret Mackey of the home; daughter: MaryHelen Mackey of the home; one sister: Claire Mackey of Coxsackie, NY; two nephews: Christopher Valentino (Corinne) of Adairsville, GA and Nicholas Valentino (Deane) of Violet, LA; three great-nephews: Owen, Brayden, and Dylan; three great-nieces: Lydia, Kennedy, and Jazmin; cousin: Marcia Anderson of Kinderhook, NY; other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law: Helen and Robert Schulz. John will be remembered for his deep love of family, his sharp mind, and his steadfast presence. Whether in the field with his surveyor’s equipment, at home sharing activities and laughter, or sharing traveling adventures with family and friends, John lived a life of quiet purpose, steady kindness, and great strength. His life embodied the quote “A life well lived is not measured in years, but in the lives touched and the love shared.” (quote attributed to Peeta Mellark) Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Mackey to the Waynesville R-VI School Foundation and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

John Howard Mackey

October 20, 1948 - August 18, 2025