Herman S. McGregor

Herman S. “Mac” McGregor, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2019 with family by his side. He was born January 26, 1924 in a small farmhouse near Somerville in Gibson County to Mabel Mae Garrett McGregor and Herman S. McGregor, Sr. Herman was known by many names, including Hermie and Mackie during his youth. Later he was known as dear friend, devoted son, loving brother, Uncle Mac, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, and the best Dad in the world. He was also known for his love of music—he could burst out in song just about any time—and his wry wit. Above all else, Mac loved his family. His favorite day of the year was Thanksgiving when upwards of 70 members of the extended McGregor clan gathered for good food, catching up on the events of the previous year, and more hugs than one could count. Mac attended Baker Elementary and Central High School in Evansville. He served in the Army Air Corp in China during WWII. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English from Evansville College and his Master’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Mac lived most of his life in Evansville and was well known as a classic film buff who never tired of talking about—or better yet, screening—old movies. You may remember him as the guy who showed old movies out the garage window to scores of neighborhood kids gathered in his back yard. Maybe you took classes from him when he taught Cinema Studies, Literature, and Composition in the English Department at University of Evansville. Perhaps you watched films with him as part of the St. Paul’s Film Society, or remember watching him and his long-time friend Leroy “Skip” Bawel as they co-hosted “Classic Cowboy Cinema” on Channel 9 WNIN-TV. In his later years Mac spent much of his time as a volunteer at the Deaconess Children’s Enrichment Center. Known to hundreds of children and their parents as “Mr. Mac,” he volunteered almost daily for more than twenty-five years. He was the grandfatherly figure who met kids at the door to comfort them if they weren’t quite ready to leave Mom or Dad. He read books with kids on each knee, played games, and helped instill a love of music and singing. Every Halloween, much to the childrens’ and staff’s delight, he dressed as the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. He fostered loving relationships with many of the staff at the Center, and enjoyed their visits (along with their children and grandchildren and current Center attendees) when he was no longer able to volunteer. Mac was a very special man who reaped a huge harvest of love from all he had sown throughout his life. Mac lived almost thirty years at Independence Square where he made many friends among the staff and residents. For the last two and one-half years Mac lived at the Good Samaritan Home where he also made many friends. He wanted all of these friends to know that he remembered them fondly. Mac’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Home for the warm and wonderful care they provided for Mac and for their grace and comfort on his passing. Mac is survived by his sister, Kew-Bee McDonald; his son, Michael McGregor and daughter-in-law, Celeste Patino McGregor; grandsons, Geoff (Lindsay) and Dan McGregor and their mother Debby Knopsnyder McGregor; step-grandsons, Grant and Mitchell Myers, and great-grandsons Blake and Evan McGregor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Arthur McGregor, and his sisters, Virginia Minton and Anna Lampton. Uncle Mac had a wonderful relationship with his siblings’ children. They shared a special bond and he loved them all dearly. Nieces and nephews who survive him are Nancy McGregor Niemeier, Diane Minton Meier, C. Ray Minton, Corliss Lampton Rink, Patty Lampton Smith, Rodney McDonald, Robin McDonald, and Ken McDonald. Those who preceded him are Meredyth Lampton Miller and Terry Lampton. He is also survived by many beloved second- and third-generation nephews and nieces. At Mac’s request there will be no funeral nor interment services. Private interment will be at Alexander Memorial Park. A gathering of friends and family to reminiscent about this beautiful man will be held at the Good Samaritan Home, 601 N. Boeke Road, Evansville, on Saturday, August 10 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Everyone who has a story to tell or a memory to share is invited. Cremation and interment arrangements are being handled by Alexander Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Deaconess Foundation for the Deaconess Children’s Enrichment Center, 600 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47747 or online at www.deaconess.com/giving, or to the Good Samaritan Home, 601 N Boeke Road, Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.