DODGE CITY - Carl Monroe Mackey, 91, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Lawton, Oklahoma, at Comanche Co. Memorial Hospital.  He was born on April 22, 1926, in Rockbridge, Missouri, to Hazel Faye (Edwards) Mackey and Homer Charley Mackey.

Carl joined the US Army on September 27, 1944.  He served in the Philippines and in Japan during World War II.  While in the Army, he earned the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and The Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat.

After Carl got out of the Army in November 1946, he returned to Montezuma, Kansas, to marry his sweetheart.   Carl married Vera Mae Steward of Cimarron, Kansas, on December 21, 1946.  Together they lived and worked on their family farm.  Carl farmed wheat and other crops in addition to raising cattle.  After 35 years of farming, Carl retired and they moved to Dodge City, Kansas, where he was Building Maintenance supervisor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   Carl was a member of the VFW Honor Guard in Dodge City, Kansas, where he was on funeral detail and traveled to give military honors to 340 veterans.

Carl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He and Vera served many years in the Denver Colorado Temple.  He always enjoyed serving and helping others and continued to do so throughout his life.  Carl loved visiting with his family and going to family reunions.

Carl is survived by his wife, Vera, of Lawton, Oklahoma, son, Larry (Glenda) Mackey, Dodge City, Kansas, daughter Karen (Boyd) Dastrup, of Lawton, Oklahoma, 14 grandchildren and many great and great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by one brother, John P. (Lequita) Mackey, Geneseo, Illinois.  Carl was preceded in death by two sons, Carl Lynn Mackey and Leslie Ray Mackey; sisters: Erma Broyles and Jency Miller; brothers, Bernie Mackey, Glen Mackey, Monroe Mackey, and Russell Mackey.

Carl lived in BrookRidge Retirement Community over 4 years and enjoyed many special friendships there.  The Mackey and Dastrup families would like to thank each and every member of the BrookRidge family and staff for their love and care shown and given to Carl and Vera.

Carl leaves a legacy of love for his wife of 71 years, Vera, and his family, his unwavering faith in his savior, Jesus Christ, and his commitment to serving others.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Tuesday January 2, 2018 at 1:00 PM.  Private family burial will be at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Ft. Dodge.  Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 AM to service time on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.  The casket will remain closed.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.