Larry G. MacKrell, 80, of Chicora, a long time Donegal Twp. family farmer, went to be with the Lord late Thursday evening, April 27, 2023 while in the company of his loving wife and family at the Chicora Medical Center.
Larry was born in Donegal Twp. on July 26, 1942. He was the son of the late Gerald and Geraldine Eyth MacKrell
Larry was a 1960 graduate of Fairview Twp. Karns City High School. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in The Village of North Oakland and also attended St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church in Butler. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Vietnam era. In his early years, Larry was employed as a machinist at Damon Industries in Brady’s Bend and retired from Armco in Butler in 1983. Mr. MacKrell was a well-known Donegal Twp. farmer for many years.
He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and skilled taxidermist. Larry enjoyed traveling, especially trips out west and to Colorado. He was a classic car enthusiast and owned a 1966 Ford Fairlane and a 1955 Thunderbird. Above all else, Larry enjoyed the company of his family, most especially the grandkids.
He is survived by his loving wife, Valjean A. Lucas MacKrell, whom he married at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church on June 10, 1967. Also surviving are two sons, Terry J. MacKrell and his wife, MaryAnn, and Barry A. MacKrell and his wife, Amy C. of Chicora; his grandchildren, Riley M. MacKrell, Wyatt J. MacKrell and Cody M. MacKrell, all of Chicora; a sister, Kathy Rodgers and her husband, John, of Tionesta, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Garry P. MacKrell, who died April 8, 2018; two brothers, Robert “Bob” MacKrell and Richard MacKrell; two sisters, Cindy Wilson and Joanne Hicks, a daughter-in-law, Patty Semes MacKrell; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Mary Leech Lucas.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. A funeral Mass will celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday from St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 210 St. Wendelin Rd., Butler, with the Rev. Matt McClain, church pastor, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by members of the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion Posts at St. Wendelin’s following Mass. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in The Village of North Oakland. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.