Mack Yoakum
Mack Yoakum, 80, died after a short illness on September 29, 2012, with his family by his side in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Mack was born on July 10, 1932, in Allen, Oklahoma to Doc and Myrtle (Webb) Yoakum. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, H.D. Yoakum; and two sisters, Adele Yoakum Tate and Billie Yoakum Frank.
His life was a great inspiration to friends and family. He was a beloved husband, loving son and son-in-law, and the most awesome father, grandfather, and great grandfather the Lord could have ever blessed our family with, and for that we are truly thankful.
Mack was born and raised in Allen, Oklahoma during the Great Depression and worked very hard during his childhood on his parents farm. In high school, along with his studies, he played football and baseball. In 1947 at age 15 he joined the 45th Oklahoma National Guard Unit. So, along with his school and duties at home he also had weekend drills and summer camps.
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, he left school early and traveled with the 45th 180 Inf. Division to Japan and Korea. The 45th was sent to Korea to relieve the 1st Calvary Division (1950-1952. He was injured in Korea and was sent to various hospitals for one year.
After the war he returned home to work as a rough neck in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and North Dakota. In 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, L. Vermell Muse. Like many Okies, Mack took his young bride and headed to California to work; after a few months, they headed back to Oklahoma.
About the same time, a small refining crude unit was being relocated from Allen to Corpus Christi, Texas. Approximately 30 young couples from the Allen area relocated to South Texas to work for Suntide refinery (later the refinery became Sun Oil, Koch, and presently Flint Hills). Mack brought his young bride to Corpus to start their new life together. After 38 years at the refinery he retired as a shift supervisor.
Mack loved to hunt and fish and had several hunting leases in South Texas and a houseboat on Lake Mathis.
He and his wife, Vermell, bought a summer home in Leakey, Texas that the family enjoyed for 40 years. Everyone loved Leakey and no one can begin to count the wonderful memories made there with friends and family.
He was a master story teller and had no problem stretching a story to the max for a good laugh. He enjoyed entertaining and loved making people feel good about themselves.
After retiring, Mack and Vermell, went on several cruises and trips with friends. One of his great joys was to take his three widowed sister-in-laws and his wife on cross country trips. No Kidding, he really enjoyed them.
Mack remained active with the Texas National Guard for a total of 24 years, retiring at the rank of Major. He stayed active with the military thru Military Assistance Group (MAG) and the Central Intelligence Division (CID) for all branches of the service in the Southern command. Mack attended Officers Command school (Rangers 1964-65) in Fort Benning Georgia.
Mack was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, the American Legion, VFW, a 32nd degree Mason, and Al Amien Shriners.
Mack is survived by his wife of 59 years, L. Vermell Muse Yoakum; daughter Mary Lynn Cazier-Wilcox (Gerald Brill), a son Steven D (Grace), and daughter Denise Mock (Tim); seven grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mack will make his last trip to Allen, Oklahoma for burial. Military and Masonic graveside honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 6th.
Donations can be made to the Allen Historical Society in Allen, Oklahoma or the Al Almin Burn Center.