Neal E. Mackey

Neal Erland Mackey Sr., 86, of Warren, entered into eternal rest Saturday, January 12, 2008. He was born September 19, 1921 in Warren, Ohio, the son of John and Hilda (Panttila) Mackey.

Neal was a 1940 graduate of Warren G. Harding High school. Following graduation he went to the C.C.C Camp after which, thanks to the Dean of Boys at Warren G. Harding, was able to start his long employment at the G.E. Trumbull Lamp Plant. After 42 years of employment, Neal retired in 1983.

During the course of his employment, Neal enlisted in the Navy for World War II. It was there, in 1942 that he was trained as a fighter pilot and flew over 300 missions from his station on the U.S.S Salamaua located in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged on December 18, 1945 as a Lt:JG. He remained in the Navel Reserves for 22 years.

Neal was well known in this area for his love of both bowling and golf, participating on several teams. He also played baseball and basketball for the Finnish organization, The Voima Athletic Club, where he held the title of "Bat Champ" in 1941 with a batting average of .381.

His greatest hobby was horse racing and he attended the "Little Brown Jug" at the Delaware Ohio County Fair for 17 years with his good friend, Jack Beard.

Neal was a member of the Tod Avenue United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He also sang for many years in the St. Marks Lutheran Church Male Chorus as well as the Warren Community Choir.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara (Gehrlein) of 41 years, whom he married May 28 1966; two children, a son, Neal E. Mackey Jr. of Warren and a daughter, Linda (Carl) Stude of North Hollywood, CA. also a sister, Esther Mackey of Chicago. Preceding him in death are his parents and three brothers, Uhro, Martin and George.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at Tod Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Anita Rayburn officiating. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Burial Park. Friends may call Noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Material contributions may be made to Tod Avenue United Methodist Church, 155 Tod Ave. N.W., Warren, Ohio 44485.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.