Garry P. MacKrell, 49, of O’Donnell Rd., Chicora, went to be with the Lord Sunday evening, April 8, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at the home of his parents following a brief battle with cancer.
Garry was born in Butler on May 27, 1968. He was the son of Larry G. and Valjean A. Lucas MacKrell.
He was a 1986 graduate of Karns City High School and a 1988 graduate of Butler County Community College, earning a degree in Agribusiness. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Garry was a long time member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the Village of North Oakland and had been attending St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church in Butler, where he served as an usher and volunteered at various church functions and events.
He was employed at Harrell’s in Butler. Garry and his family owned and operated the family farm on O’Donnell Road.
Garry was a well-known skilled hunter and an excellent marksman, and harvested many big game trophies throughout his life. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, and hiking. He especially looked forward to visiting the family’s ranch in Colorado. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion in Chicora.
Surviving are his parents, Larry and Valjean MacKrell of Chicora; two brothers, Terry J. MacKrell and his wife, MaryAnn, and Barry A. MacKrell and his wife, Amy C. of Chicora; his niece, Riley M. MacKrell; his two nephews who were his godchildren, Wyatt J. MacKrell and Cody M. MacKrell, all of Chicora, as well as a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Garry was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Semes MacKrell. The couple was married in 1997. Mrs. MacKrell passed away in 1998. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Gerald and Geraldine Eyth MacKrell and his maternal grandparents, John and Mary Leech Lucas.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1 -3 and 6 – 9 p.m. Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, 210 St. Wendelin Rd., Butler, with the Rev. Matt McClain, church pastor, officiating. Interment will be 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. For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.