Marion A. (Mac) McElroy, 88, of Joshua, Texas passed away on October 7, 2020. 

He was born to M.B. and Irene McElroy December 5, 1931.  He grew up in Egan, Cleburne area and attended schools there. 

Mac joined the Texas National Guard shortly after high school and then enlisted into the army where he bravely spent three years in Korea.  He was honorably discharged in 1955. 

He married Mary Cruze, whom he loved tremendously, on February 24, 1957 and is survived by her.  He is also survived by their children, sons, Marion A. (Mack) McElroy Jr., and spouse Melissa, Jerry McElroy, daughters, Kathy Dozier and spouse Paul, Paula Homan and spouse Randy, as well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his sister Doris Collins.  He was preceded in death by his parents M.B. and Irene McElroy, brothers Alton McElroy, Gene McElroy, and sister Louise Forsythe. 

Mac was athletic and always active outdoors.  Family and friends fondly remember the softball games that were played in the pasture behind their home and the homemade ice cream that was enjoyed after.  He loved his garden and took great delight in sharing his knowledge of gardening with his grandchildren who often helped him at planting and gathering time.  Mac was also known to his family as the “mad mower’.  He was meticulous about tending to his lawn and was still mowing his lawn until weeks before his passing.  He had several hunting trips to New Mexico and there are many golf balls in the pasture from Mac practicing his golf swings.  He loved reading and after his retirement, Mac would visit the local library each week where he would check out a library bag full of westerns, history, suspense and biographies to enjoy.  He also had a large collection at home.  He had a great sense of humor and always had a joke or funny story to tell.  He was a talented woodworker and made several pieces of furniture that included kitchen and living room pieces and an entire bedroom set that his family are still using. 

Mac worked for United Cooperative Services for 31 years as a lineman and electrician.  He retired early and worked part time for other local businesses, most of those years at Vest Well Service, until he retired full time. 

He was a wonderful husband and father and will be greatly missed. Family requests that in lieu of flowers to please donate to American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or make a donation to your local library.