DC (Mac) McIlvain

POTTSBORO
D. C. “Mac” McIlvain passed away on December 15, 2017, at his home in Pottsboro, TX, at the age of 92. Mac was born in Loco, Oklahoma, May 20, 1925, to Clifford Roy and Frances J. McIlvain.
He began his career in the oil field in his late teens, when he began working for Haliburton owned drilling rigs in the Oklahoma oil field. In the late 194O’s he worked on oil rigs both in Oklahoma and West Texas. Later he would work for Standard Oil of New Jersey which eventually became Chevron Oil in their oil and gas production plants. Mac retired from Chevron Oil in Sherman, Texas in 1982.
Mac proudly served his country during World War II in the U. S. Coast Guard attached to the U. S. Navy. He served in the Pacific and was at the battle of Iwo Jima on a small transport ship transferring supplies to shore from outlying ships. On April 1, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, the ship he was on was stuck by a Kamikaze pilot and sunk. He loved to tell the story that he spent Easter Sunday in 1945 swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
Returning home, he married the love of his life, Alberta Marie “Mutt” Phillips who predeceased him in 1981. Together they had one daughter, Rose Ann. After her death he married Betty Westover, who predeceased him in 2004.
Mac loved boating, fishing and camping with his family on Lake Texoma. Later, he enjoyed traveling in his motorhome until as he said, he was “grounded” by health issues. Friendly domino games on Friday afternoons then became his pastime and he treasured that time with his special domino buddies, Ronnie, Betty, and Bonnie. Mac also loved watching sports, especially college football – he was a big Texas Longhorn fan. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR auto racing.
He was a life member of Denison BPOE #238 and American Legion, Post #231.
Those that knew Mac always found him to be fiercely loyal friend. His straight forward truthfulness was always present. Strangers quickly became acquaintances and friends. He was a common sight on his yellow golf cart “Tweety Bird” checking on his neighbors and handing out treats to the neighborhood dogs.
Preceding him in death was his father and mother, Clifford and Francis McIlvain, wife Alberta Marie “Mutt” McIlvain, second wife Betty McIlvain, brother Simon McIlvain, and his special dog, Abby. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law Rose Ann and Ed Griggs of Pottsboro, Texas.
A heartfelt thanks to his very special personal care givers, Deborah and Tori. Special thanks also to Guardian Home Healthcare, especially Kristina and Jerri, for the care and support they provided over the past few years.
Per Mac’s request, he was cremated. A brief memorial service to be held at 1:00 on January 6, 2018, at the Elks Lake Site, Pottsboro, TX. Any memorials should be made to the American Cancer Society or any animal rescue group of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.
Condolences may be registered to: www.johnsonmoorefuneralhome.net.