John E. McMackin
John E. McMackin of Bradenton, FL (formerly of Peru, ME, Oscoda, MI and Detroit, MI) passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born on May 9, 1925 in Limestone, TN to the late John Elza McMackin, Sr. and Emma Sue Austin and was the eldest of four boys, Clyde, Norris and Doyl.
John grew up on a farm. In 1943 he entered the Navy, where he achieved the rank of Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd Class. He served stateside in naval hospitals for nearly 3 years until his discharge in 1946. After a short stay at home, he used his naval training to obtain his high school diploma at County High School in Sulphur Springs, TN in May 1946.
In 1947 John entered the Army and was dispatched to a Hospital in Bremerhaven, Germany where he served in the Army of Occupation and achieved the rank of Sergeant. While there, he met his first wife Ellen Jane Brunner. They were married in 1949. Their first child, Keith, was born in Germany before John was discharged near the end of 1949.
John returned to Detroit with his family and began his career as a Plant Protection Officer at Chrysler Headquarters in Highland Park, MI. He retired as a Captain after 33 years of service. While at Chrysler, one of John’s favorite assignments was serving on the security detail for the Chrysler Corporation Annual Meetings when Lee Iacocca was CEO.
On August 21, 1989, John married his second wife, Lois P. Musolf. They split their time between Maine and Florida before ultimately retiring in Bradenton.
John enjoyed reading, following the stock market, sports, and keeping up with the latest Chrysler cars.
John was preceded in death by his parents Emma Sue and John Sr., his brothers Clyde, Norris and Doyl and his first wife Ellen Jane McMackin and second wife Lois P. McMackin.
He is survived by his children, Keith W. (Linda E.) McMackin, grandchildren Nicole E. (Karl) Wilinski, Austin W. (Helineh Madroosian) McMackin; Mark E. McMackin, grandchild, Ross (Teren) McMackin; Nancy Tena (Armando), grandchild, Pilar Tena and seven great grandchildren, as well as stepchildren, Dr. Gary A. (Julie Baglien) Dawson, Marna L. Dawson (William) Mucha, Mark B. (Betty) Dawson and Gayle A. Musolf (Sheldon) Lyons and their children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10am until the Funeral Service with Military Honors at 11am. Funeral procession and burial in White Chapel Cemetery will be private.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider the Tidewell Foundation (Hospice).
