Gail Mac Vernon McMeekin

   Gail “Mac” Vernon McMeekin was born to Russell J. and Rose E. (Cullers) McMeekin on June 5, 1940, in Crawford, Nebraska. 

He graduated from Upton High School in Upton, Wyoming, on May 19, 1960. He joined the Air Force on July 16, 1963, becoming a crew chief aircraft mechanic on the B-52 bomber. After 20 years of honorable service, Mac retired from the Air Force in Rapid City, South Dakota. During his military service, he received the following awards and medals: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Three Oak Clusters, and NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon.

Mac held many jobs following his military service, from Black Hills Molding to Black Hills Works. He had many hobbies, from woodworking and collecting coins, to fishing, and hunting. He loved to travel year-round between South Dakota and Texas, finding a happy medium in Colorado, where he could be closer to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mac passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023, at the Greeley Village Retirement Community in Greeley, Colorado, following his battle with bladder cancer.

He is survived by one brother, Rodney (Cynthia) McMeekin; two sons, Zane McMeekin and Michael (Tamie) McMeekin; one daughter, Twila Childs; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Mickenzie, Mason, Riley, Zaiah, Regan, and Myrah; and five great-grandchildren, Leigha, Raylee, Liam, Nevaeh, and Tanner. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell J. and Rose E. McMeekin; and his sister Cathy K. McMeekin.

Graveside services were at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, South Dakota, on May 18, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Following services, we will gather at Load American Roadhouse restaurant in Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Veterans Honored Interment in Mac’s name. The VHI is a South Dakota not-for-profit corporation supported entirely through donations. The VHI is a result of the vision of veterans providing honorable and dignified burial vessels for fellow veterans and their spouses. The contact number is
(605) 745-5127.