Joseph W. Mackin

Lt. Colonel Joseph Welch Mackin (Ret. USMC), of Hernando, Florida, died on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at the age of 93. He was born in Marshall, Iowa, on Thursday, August 22, 1917, to John and Josephine (Welch) Mackin.

His wife Betty Lou found him peacefully kneeling in prayer against their bed. He required assistance when walking, so is it unclear how this happened. However, because his religion and praying were very much a part of who he was, and it is most comforting to his family, they choose to believe he was in prayer at the moment he passed. Of all the activities he engaged in, he did so with passion and commitment. He proudly served in World War II and the Korean War as a dedicated pilot. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks club. Once retired, he worked as a real estate appraiser for Orange County, CA. He loved to grow roses, watch Western movies, enjoyed flying, photography, tennis, but his most passionate role was of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Florida. The Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1401 Country Club Blvd., Citrus Springs, Florida, where Mr. Mackin was a devoted member. Entombment and Military Honors will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5891 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, Florida.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Magdalene Goldie Mackin; daughter, Carol Elizabeth Mackin; sister, Mary C. Mackin; brothers, John R. Mackin and wife Ruth, Carroll Mackin and wife Marge, Jerry Mackin and wife Rosemary and Tom Mackin.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Mackin of Hernando, Florida, and loving children: son, Joseph A. Mackin of Los Angeles, CA; daughters, Patricia Mackin Burns of Costa Mesa, CA, Cathy Mackin Grothus and husband Joe of Costa Mesa, CA, and Marianne Mackin Gibbs and husband Robert; brother, Bill Mackin and wife Marinette; and sister, Sister Therese Mackin, BVM of Dubuque, Iowa; grandchildren, Ashley N. Mackin of San Diego, CA, Joe R. Mackin of Los Angeles, CA, Michelle Marie Burns of Vail, CO, Jennifer Lee Burns Smith and husband Doug of Scottsdale, AZ, Kimberly Mounsey and husband Joe of Laguna Niguel, CA Christopher Townsend of Richardson, TX, Riley Taylor Gibbs of Santa Fe, NM, Brennan Nicholas Gibbs of Santa Fe, NM; great grandson, Dylan Robert Vandenberg of Scottsdale, AZ; great granddaughters, Skye Elizabeth Smith of Scottsdale, AZ and Cosette Dylan Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; Godson, Andrew Speer of Yorba Linda, CA; cousin, Anna Zrinka Speer and husband Peter of Yorba Linda, CA; as well as step sons, Thomas Novkov and wife Brenda of Hernando, Florida and Thomas Novkov and wife EAnn of Ocala, Florida; step daughters, Palmira Simmons of Hernando, Florida and Patrice Kormashoff and husband Michael of Akron, Ohio; step grandchildren, Heather and Phillip McLeod of Hernando, FL, Tara and Brian Bindrup of Logan, UT, Ryan and Lauren Simmons of New Bern, NC, Patrice Novkov of NY,NY, Timothy Novkov of Ocala, FL, Michael Kormushoff of Akron, OH, Adam Kormushoff of Akron, OH, Lauren Kormushoff of Akron, OH and Sarah Kormushoff of Akron, OH and step great grandchildren, Tara Marie McLeod of Hernando, Fl, Brooke McLeod of Hernando, Fl, London Bindrup of Logan, UT, Brock Bindrup of Logan, UT, Jaxon Bindrup of Logan, UT, Boston Bindrup of Logan, UT, Alyse Simmons of New Bern, NC and Camden Simmons of New Bern, NC.

His family will always appreciate the way he spoke and listened. He always used impeccable spelling and grammar and never spoke an unkind word. He was also a listener who always gave full genuine attention. His family will also treasure the pride he showed for his entire family. Whatever news or accomplishments his family had, it was the best he had ever heard. He was always proud of his family, and they will always be proud to have had him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite #1509, New York, NY 10018.

Arrangements entrusted to Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com