Terry Mack

TERRY PATRICK MACK, age 69, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of St. Louis, passed away on October 12, 2015.
He was born February 21, 1946, the son of Earl and Rosemary (Morice) Mack, in St. Louis, MO.
Terry grew up in St. Louis and attended local schools. He graduated from Lindbergh High School with the class of 1964, where he made a name for himself in track, holding school records in high jump, as well as on the court with the basketball team.
Terry furthered his education when he attended Central Missouri State College, graduating with honors, with a B.A. in Public Relations. During this time he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Roberts, in August of 1967. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 21. Grief took hold, but not before the United States Army drafted him into their service. Terry served two terms in Vietnam before he was honorably discharged in 1974. He returned to civilian life awarded with many medals, many he was too humble to speak of including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and more. While overseas, Terry wrote and later became editor of the Stars and Stripes, the independent news source for the United States Armed Forces. Later he was also editor for the publication Americal.
He made his way to his home town where he found work as a buyer for Famous Barr, and traveled all over the world purchasing the best of the best and making memories with each destination. In May of 1975, he walked down the aisle once more and was united in marriage to Cynthia L. Werdin. They were blessed with two daughters, Laura and Lindsey, before moving to Kaneville in 1982. They both owned and operated Impressions at the former St. Charles Mall for several years. Eventually their paths diverged and Terry lived in the far west suburbs of Chicago while working for Carson Pirie Scott and later The Sharper Image.

Terry lived in several place over the next many years, landing in Port Huron, MI, Miami, FL, Hollywood, FL and finally settled in Vero Beach.
No matter where he lived, Terry supported his fellow veterans through tireless dedication to the VFW, Military Order of the Cootie, an honor degree of the VFW, the American Legion and many more, often serving as Commander of each Post. Terry also was a member of countless Honor Guards, providing military honors to those veterans who have passed away.
During his life, Terry’s path often crossed those who were varied degrees of celebrity including Lucille Ball, Al Gore, Peter Arnett, Truman Capote, New Kids On The Block, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O’Neal and others. Some he was proud to have met, others he held in disdain the rest of his days. His political leanings were decided on the right and Terry was enough of a staunch supporter of the Republican Party, he was included on George W. Bush’s Christmas Card List. Terry loved looking through his camera, capturing black and white images, some award winning photographs, and making them come to life in his own darkroom. Terry also loved to run, logging both the marathon and triathlon in Chicago as well as the St. Louis Marathon. Because of his work and time in the service, and especially in later years, travel always piqued his interest. His trips often it took him to all the corners of the world including his favorties of Buenos Ares, Belize, Costa Rica, as well as a majority of the 50 states. Many times he brought back pictures and flags of each place he landed. Terry was an avid Chicago Bears and Bulls fan but crossed family lines when he rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. Terry always returned to his family roots and enjoyed spending time with his children and later his grandchildren.
He is survived by his two daughters: Laura Ryan and Lindsey (Vince) Govea; 3 ½ grandchildren: Alyssa, Ethan and Addison Ryan with one on the way, scheduled for February 2016; Two sisters: Judy Dorn and Michelle (Bob) Peifer and a family of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Linda Mack.

Memorial contributions should be made in his memory to your local VFW. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com or on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, where you can also find his full life story.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Jefferson Barracks, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125, (314) 845-8320, at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015. The family will host a memorial visitation following the burial from 4-8 p.m. Directions to the memorial will be available at the graveside service or by contacting a family member.

Jefferson Barracks St. Louis, MO