Lawrence Mackey, age 84, of Sheldon, died on Friday Dec. 30, 2006, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo., following a short illness. He was born in Fay, Okla., to William Peter Mackey and Edna Mary Williams Mackey. On Nov. 15, 1948, he was married in Enid, Okla., to Velma L. Weber and she preceded him in death on July 15, 2006.

Lawrence grew up and attended school in Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942-'45 and fought in the Invasion of Normandy. He and Velma had resided in Vernon County since 1951. Lawrence farmed all his life and was a member of the Sheldon Christian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Cleta Weaver of Mound Valley, Kan., and Pam Moffatt of Carthage, Mo; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Laura Griffith; and two brothers, Wayne Mackey and Alfred Mackey all of Mexico, Mo.

In addition to his wife Velma, he was preceded in death by one son, James Ray Mackey on July 18, 2006; four brothers, Raymond, Floyd, Noah, and an infant brother, Dale; two sisters, Dortha Waymack and an infant sister, Amanda.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Sheldon Christian Church, Sheldon, with Andrew Kirchner officiating. Intertment followed in the Sheldon Cemetery.

Those who wish may contribute to the Sheldon Christian Church in care of the funeral home in his memory.