Wallace J. "Jack" McKenzie

WALLACE J. “JACK” MCKENZIE, Colonel USAF Ret., passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Jack was born in La Porte, TX, to Emily and Carl McKenzie, on December 23, 1925, later residing in Houston, with his two brothers, Gilbert Clesson and Winston Arlen McKenzie.

Jack was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1942, he later attended Rice University (’44), and The University of Houston, receiving his B.S., in 1948. In 1943, he joined the U.S Army Air Corps., earning both Navigator and Flight Engineer Wings on B-29s. Jack remained stateside in a training capacity, preparing to ship overseas, when Japan surrendered. In 1946, he became a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a Shriner Band member, a Rice University Band member, and later Court Jester. While in high school, Jack won statewide awards playing classical clarinet, appearing on stage once with Benny Goodman! He later went on to play big band jazz saxophone after WWII. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, Jack earned his U.S. Air Force Pilot Wings. Throughout the 50s, he flew search and rescue missions in the Western U.S., Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. From 1957 to 1961, Jack flew and commanded nuclear B-47 bombers worldwide. He posted to Spain in 1961, as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. John Ryan. In 1964, Jack became a Professor of Aerospace Studies at The University of Texas Austin, teaching ROTC. He served three tours in Vietnam from 1968-1972. Jack commanded the 4th Special Operations Squadron, of Spooky gunships, in DaNang, and also the 380th Refueling Squadron of KC-135 tankers, for two tours. He retired as Colonel, after 30 years, of military service, ending as the Vice-Commander of the 380th Wing at Plattsburgh AFB, New York. His personal decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross (x 2), Bronze Star (V), Air Medal(x 11), Air Force Commendation (x 2), Navy-Marine Commendation (V), RVN Gallantry Cross, RVN Honor Medal, RVN Air Service Medal, and multiple unit citations (V). In 1973, being a lifelong avid golfer, Jack became a member of Sugar Creek Country Club, and was acting manager for completion of the new Grand Club building. He then founded, W.J. McKenzie Co., for pool and spa service, and became a co-founder of the Southern National Bank (currently Prosperity Bank), where he was a board and committee member. In 1977, Jack married Odean Cochran, and set out to discover the fun of life. He remained a pilot, and they flew often to golfing vacations with friends and family; they traveled the world together, and were not out of each other’s presence for 37 years. He and Odean were members of Second Baptist Church, in Houston, where they made many wonderful friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Emily McKenzie; brothers, Gilbert and Winston McKenzie, Sr.; and children, Art and Carrie Cochran. Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Odean McKenzie; sons, Ken and Kevin McKenzie, and Robert Cochran; sister-in-law, Sidney McKenzie, widow of Winston McKenzie, Sr.; daughters-in-law, Susan Cochran, and Kayla Cochran Shipp, widow of Art Cochran, Jr.; grandchildren, Jessica Rodery and her husband Josh, Chase, Christian, Morgan, and Annie Cochran, Donna Yahiro and her husband Jeff, and Elizabeth Dougharty and her husband Darrell; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Pierce, and Aislyn; many loving nieces and nephews and their families; and a long list of dear and loving long-time friends.

He was a friend to all who met him, an inspiration to those who knew him, a mentor to those who needed him, and a servant to his God. He will be missed tremendously by all. Special mention to Michael Ragland and Gladys Robeson, for their years of caring dedication.

A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 23, 2014, in the Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, Houston. For those desiring, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Texas Children’s Hospital, or the Boys and Girls Country.