Jack Mckenzie

Jack M. McKenzie of Ingram, TX died January 9, 2017 at home, after a short illness. He was 92 years old.\r\n \r\nServices will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, TX.\r\n \r\nJack was born February 14, 1924 in Mesquite, TX to Eunice and Mary McKenzie. He graduated from the Mesquite High School with the Class of 1941 but returned for another year to be with his girl friend, Bennie Marie Beach, whom he later married.\r\n \r\nHe entered Texas A&M College with the Class of 1946 and was called into active service as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps graduating in 1944 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and Pilot on May 23, 1944. Bennie pinned his silver wings on him and they were married June 16, 1944 in Post Chapel #1 at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL.\r\n \r\nHe was attending the four-engine school at Maxwell Field where he learned to fly the B-24 Liberator. His next assignment was at Westover Field, Springfield, Massachusetts where he was assigned a crew and after further training they were deployed to the European Theater of Operations where they flew combat missions over Germany.\r\n \r\nFollowing military service Jack and wife Bennie, and new son Jack Marshall, returned to A&M where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, and went to work for Stanolind Oil and Gas Company, a subsidiary of Standard Oil Company (Indiana), retiring in 1981 after 33 years of service, the only company that he had ever worked for.\r\n \r\nLoving family members include his wife Bennie, married 72 years; plus children, Jack Marshall (Carol) of Garland, TX, Janet Marie (Ross) of Hunt, TX and Randy Thomas (Karen) of Dallas; six grandchildren, Scott McKenzie, Chad (Kimberly) McKenzie of Round Rock, TX, Jason (Wendy) Reinwald of Katy, TX, Ami (Cacy) Day of Midland, TX, Luke McKenzie of Dallas and Allison (Joe) Barvick of Kansas City, MO and 10 great grandchildren.\r\n \r\nAfter a severe fall in December 2016, his health declined. He never became angry, complained or felt sorry for himself. Regarding Jack's illness, he said, "That is just the hand that I've been dealt." Jack maintained his positive, grateful, easy going disposition, generous nature and humor until the end. He will be greatly missed.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas A&M Former Student's Association, www.aggienetwork.com/giving. \r\n \r\n\r\n