Patricia Gail Hackney

Patricia Gail McDaniel Hackney, a creative, vibrant and giving spirit who reached out to connect with every person in her vicinity (friend or stranger), was born to Walter Lee and Esther Powers McDaniel in Abilene, Texas, on October 19, 1938. Having lived a beautiful long life full of love, laughter and joy, she passed away at the age of 87 in Canton, Texas, on April 17, 2026.

Pat grew up in a creative, forward-thinking family. Her father was an inventor, architect and engineer. Her mother was an artist and teacher. They moved a lot during her childhood, following work projects, and always opened their home to new friends, business innovators, writers and artists who shared lively talks, exposing her to broader ideas. She learned how to quickly adapt in social situations, that led to her innate ability to make friends, and to recognize and appreciate the special qualities in each individual.

She moved to East Texas in the middle of her senior year and graduated from Grand Saline High School. While attending the University of North Texas, she began dating Donald Pace Hackney of Canton, and married her life-long love three months later on August 29, 1958. They had four daughters in five years, known in Canton as “the Hackney girls”. She was the nurturing heart of her family and was known for her creativity, grace and elegance, as evident in her home design and unique ideas for special occasions and parties.

Always ahead of her time, Pat became an influencer in her community. She especially loved children and introducing them to experiences beyond their normal reach. She showed many anonymous acts of kindness to those in need. She also touched the lives of several generations through her work as a children’s Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible Study coordinator, and charter member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service at the First United Methodist Church of Canton; as a girl scout leader to hundreds of girls, teaching them generosity, caring and life skills; as the youth activities coordinator for the U.S. Sesquicentennial celebration in Canton; as an aid in the special education programs in Canton schools; as a volunteer then chairman of the Canton area crusade for the American Cancer Society; as a member and later program chair of the Wednesday Study Club and also the Mathea Guild; and as a member of the Friends of the Van Zandt County Library, developer of the children’s library, and chairman of the Children’s programs. The last was her most cherished contribution. She researched children’s libraries all across the state, read and bought all the books , as well as designed the area for the new children’s library, and developed the children’s “Story Time” program, offering entertainment, crafts, readings, and character visits, which she expanded to surrounding libraries and schools. Pat was recognized at the state level for her library volunteer achievements and was also designated the 1996 Van Zandt County Woman of the Year.

Pat loved adventure, parties and travel. She and Don traveled the world on many grand adventures. They created great memories which they loved to share, and developed life-long friends everywhere they went. She also shared in Don’s hobby of flying. He was a private pilot who built seven airplanes, all with color schemes designed by Pat. They were an integral part of the Tailwind Airport community and flew all over the country. She even became a licensed pilot and owned her own plane.

Most of all, Pat was a beloved wife, mother, and “Gram”, who created a beautiful home and lifestyle full of love, joy and special memories for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Esther Powers, husband of 62 years Don Hackney, daughter Pamela Kay Stutts, brother and sister-in-law Brant and Linda McDaniel, and sister and brother-in-law Pam and Jack Hooper. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law Donna and Brett Maisel, Kenneth Stutts, Julie and Greg Seymore, and Christy Pryor; grandchildren Josh and Mallory Maisel, Kyle and Brittany Maisel, Andrea and Chris West, Tyler and Courtney Jackson, and Hannah Young; great grandchildren Rylan, Spencer, Joshua, Adalyn, Lawson, Londyn, Adelaide, Peyton, Drew, Beck, Ellie and Abel; and cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held at Eubank Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, immediately followed by a private family memorial. She will be interred at the Haven of Memories Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Van Zandt County Library for the Children’s Library and programs.