Mack Charles Wilson

Born on what would later become known as “Flag Day”, Mack often commented that his birth was so important the United States created a national holiday in his honor.  Mack Charles Wilson, 81, of Ellensburg, Washington, passed away from respiratory failure on October 10, 2023, in Yakima, Washington, surrounded by family.

He was born in Bokoshe, Oklahoma on June 14, 1942, to parents Earl D. Wilson and Lillie P. Wilson. He grew up in a large family with six sisters and three brothers.  Mack spent his elementary school years shooting marbles in Superior, Wyoming until his family relocated to Kittitas, Washington in 1954.  Mack graduated from Kittitas High School in 1961 and continued to stay in touch with many of his fellow classmates, attending numerous school reunions in both  Superior and Kittitas.

Mack entered the US Navy in December of 1963.  He went to basic training in San Diego, California, and was stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii.  He became a radioman on the USS Savage (DER-386) a naval destroyer that was sent to Vietnam. He loved being a radioman even though he was not always allowed off the ship because of his knowledge of naval fleet positions. The friendships he forged aboard ship would continue for decades beyond his time of service.  He enjoyed the continued comradery and attended many navy reunions throughout his retirement.

In April of 1968, after serving 4 years in the navy, he married the love of his life, Irma (Gloria) Rodriguez whom he met while stationed in San Diego. After marrying, the couple moved to Ellensburg, Washington to be closer to Mack’s family. Mack worked at various position until finding a job at Twin City Foods, Inc. where he worked for over 30 years. Mack and Gloria were quick to start a family and had three children who meant the world to them: Leah, Cherie, and Mack Earl.  He loved his wife and children with all his heart and the couple instilled in their children the love of music, good work ethic, and to help those in need.

As much as Mack enjoyed being a father, his favorite role was that of grandfather and great-grandfather. He treasured his time with his grandchildren Nicholas, Aislinn, Mack Gage, and bonus grandchild, Helyna.  He loved being “Papa” and having them come to “Papa’s River” where they enjoyed camping and setting marshmallows on fire.  His last couple of years brought him even more delight in the form of two great-grandchildren, Harvey and Stella.

Mack will always be remembered as a quick-witted joke teller, who loved to laugh and enjoy time with family and friends. We will forever remember him, waking us up at 5 a.m. blaring Cajun music, pranking us on April Fool’s Day, or just sitting on the porch swing watching the river go by, one more time.  We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, son, or friend and we will miss Mack every day.  His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

Mack was preceded in death by parents, Earl and Lillie Wilson of Ellensburg, WA, his sisters Betty Cain, Charlotte Johnson, Eva Warren, all of Ellensburg, WA; his brothers, Carl “Bounce” Wilson, of Lower Lake, CA; Earl Jr. Wilson of Moody, AL; and Woodrow (Woody) Wilson of Cleveland, TN.  

He is survived by his loving wife Gloria, of Ellensburg, WA; children, Leah (Chris) Kronich, of Newport, WA, Cherie (Marcello Martinez) Wilson of Ellensburg, WA, and Mack E. Wilson of Spokane, WA; 4 grandchildren, Nicholas (Chelsea) McCoy, Aislinn (John) Bloss, Mack G. Wilson of Spokane, WA, and Helyna Limberhand of Chester, MT; 2 great-grandchildren, Harvey McCoy, Stella Bloss; and his sisters Corrine Mehal, Marjorie (Dale) Allphin, of Ellensburg, WA, Jeanette Bryant of Kittitas, WA. and many nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the Evenson Memorial Chapel at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home, 301 E 3rd, Ellensburg, Washington.  He will also have a military service on his birthday, June 14, 2024, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola, Road, Medical Lake Washington.

Memorial contributions in Mack’s honor are suggested to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com