WOOSTER Elmer Richard Dick Mackey, 86, of Wooster passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Aultman Hospital in Canton.
He was born September 24, 1934 in Millersburg the son of Elmer Rubin and Lula Mohr Mackey McDowell. He married Nancy Jo Bertsch on November 21, 1956. She survives.
Dick worked for 38 years at Albright Welding. His last position there was purchasing agent. He was a member of the Central Christian Church. Dick was a Cub Scout leader, he was active in Triway Music Boosters and participated in Triway Capers. He built race cars and was an official for Millersburg race track. Dick was a member of the American Callers Association and was a life member of the Gnat Boxer Square Dance Club of Wooster.
Dick s special interest was Square Dancing both calling and dancing. He started calling and teaching square dancing in 1965. Dick has called three times in Hawaii and on four of the islands. He has traveled and called in Canada, New Hampshire, Tennessee, New York, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and all over the state of Ohio. Dick has called at many National and State Square dance conventions. He was on staff for Broken Straw Week-end for 20 years. Dick taught youth to square dance in his home for twenty plus years.. He was honored with the Meritorious Award by the 4-H for all he had done with the youth of Wayne County and in 2002 was honored by the Akron Federation as Caller of the Year. His home is filled with trophies for the many parades he called on the floats for. The many friends you meet are what Dick always liked best about square dancing.
Dick s other interests were working with tools, collecting rocks, NASCAR items and frogs. For many years he enjoyed camping.
He proudly served in the US Army as a special 3rd Class Radio Operator.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Denise (Scott) Krug and Matthew (Lynn) Mackey; grandchildren Josh (Leslie) Krug, Andi (Trent) Hershey, Tyler Mackey, Aiden Mackey, Lukas Mackey; great-grandchildren Cody Krug, Caylee Krug and Brooke Hershey; siblings Judy Christian and Don McDowell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Dwight Richard Mackey and siblings Robert McDowell, Harold McDowell, Paul McDowell, Mary Lou Mann and Debbie Swartz.
Friends will be received on Monday, July 5, 2021 from 5-8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral Home with Pastor Brian White and Pastor Glen Schory officiating. Burial will be in the Wooster Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516
Service
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral homer
Visitation
Monday, July 5,, 2021 from 5-8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service
Our sincere condolences to Nancy and the entire Mackey Family. We truly will miss Dick – our years of square dancing have been made so enjoyable because of Dick and Nancy also. You are in our prayers – Sharon & Glenn Shaffer
We will miss is contagious smile. Yellow rocks to Nancy and family
Scott, Denise, Andi Josh, Nancy, Mackey family we are sorry for your loss. What a joy to be around Dick.
We are so sorry for your loss. Dick was a very special person and spread joy to everyone. He will always be remembered in the hearts of many. He taught us all how to be kind to others. God blessed him in many ways. It was a pleasure to know Dick. Many blessings to you and the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He brought so much fun into so many lives. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Condolences to the Mackey family. So many memories of spending time at the Mackey house with Matt and family.
Our sincere sympathies to Nancy and the entire Mackey family. Dick was a great neighbor and friend to our family over the many years. He will be dearly missed.
Nancy, Matt and Denise–So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of being with your family when I was younger. My prayers are with you all. Love you bunches, Alisa
Nancy and family I am sincerely sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed his calling, dancing to him and with him in a square. His silliness when we to dinner after a dance. I haven’t danced in years, but I know he will be missed. Now he and Hank and ther other callers from Cleveland area can hold a big dance in heaven.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family. Wooster-Wayne Chapter DAR
So sorry for your loss of Dick. I will never forget all the fun times we had with our great square dance friends. We started our married life going to square dance lessons with Dick teaching us. What a great teacher he was!! Definitely will miss him.
So sorry for your loss. Dick & Nancy were Great Friends. They helped Frank & me thru the loss of our son & helped me thru the loss of Frank .Will remember all the good times of Dick Frank & Scotty calling together. All my Love & Prayers to Nancy & Family !
Nancy and family, I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed, but his memories will live on. I really enjoyed getting to know him over the many miles that we road together to dances where he was calling. Learned much about his many talents and his love of dancing and life. Love and Prayers.
A couple of girlfriends wanted to do something together. We looked into line dancing, but the one girl said she found a square dancing class. I looked at her like she had ten heads. I said there is no way I am square dancing, I don’t even like country music. She convinced me that there would be 2 free classes and if I did not like it………well that was 6 years ago and I love it!
And of course it was because of Dick Mackey and HIS love of the dance that made everyone feel welcomed and loved right back. We will miss you Dick. But I am sure all the dancers that have gone on before were happy to see you and were ready to dance!
Nancy and family, I am sorry for your loss. I will never forget all the fun times I had taking square dancing lessons and then being part of the Gnat Boxers. Thoughts and Prayers!
I am very sorry for your loss. Dick made all our weekend dance party’s so much fun. Again very sorry from all the Square Knots
Matt, so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Friendly. Funny. Honest. Straightforward. Skilled. Diligent. Generous. Trustworthy. A good man. Dick listened well and talked well. His mellow voice helped people dance. When his body died, Dick walked into Heaven. Those of us still here miss Dick.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dick was a wonderful friend and help to us when we started square dancing back 6 years ago. He encouraged both of us through those tough lessons when we were first learning. Loved going to Applebee’s after lessonnights for some food and social time. Special memories for both of us. We are so saddened to hear of his death but know that he will always be in our hearts. David and Carolyn Caron
With the passing of Dick there are only a few of the men who were leaders in Square Dancing and even more the many contributions and help he provided to those who wanted to learn the art of calling, and I include myself in that group, he made himself available with suggestions and guidance. He was a great gentleman and leader in the activity we call Square Dancing. He will be missed. Rest in peace Richard.
Nancy, Dick is a tremendous loss for you and for the Square Dancing family. Although we took our lessons with Tappin Squares in Oberlin, Dick made us feel right at home when we moved to Wooster in the fall of 1988. Thank all of you for years of fun.
Nancy and Jim Norton
Sincere condolences to the family. May your memories and blessings and faith help to carry you through your grief until you meet again.
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless your family through this time of grief. Remember and cherish the time you spent with Dick on this Earth and look forward to the time you will meet again someday.