Ira Lackey

Ira Eugene “Gene” Lackey passed from this world on Friday, February 5, 2021 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 77.  Gene began his life on May 21, 1943 in Muskogee, OK when he was born to his parents Ira and Margaret (Parsley) Lackey.  Gene grew up in a busy household of four boys.

At a young age his family relocated to the Winton, CA area.  He spent his elementary years in the Winton Public School before transferring to Atwater High School where he graduated in 1961.  After high school Gene attended the Merced College in California, receiving his Horseshoeing Certificate in 1962.

Gene loved everything about the outdoors.  He would take out guided deer hunts in Yosemite and northern California, using pack mules to get to the hunting sites.  Gene also found great joy in planting his annual garden.  He did not however, find that joy while tending to it after it was planted.  He made some wonderful unique horseshoe artwork.  Working with leather was also a fond past time.  Gene used his skills to make a riding saddle.  Through hard work, dedication, and nine months of working he created a beautifully crafted saddle.

Gene was a one-of-a-kind guy.  He was an old soul that would have fit perfectly in an earlier era than now.  He had an ornery sense of humor that he shared with everyone around.  His grandbabies were the apple of his eye.  No greater time was had than when he was able to lavish them with love and care.  In June of 2013 Gene decided to move back to Ralston, OK.  Some of his grandchildren went to California to help with the move.  They asked him if he was all packed up before heading to California, hoping to make a quick turnaround.  Although he assured them that all was packed, they learned differently when they arrived.  What was supposed to be a three- or four-day pack and leave, turned into a month-long adventure of working on the truck and packing the house.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Patrick and wife Laurie Lackey, Charla and husband Spin Kennedy, and Shawnda and husband Vince Taylor, 10 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren plus one more on the way, brothers, James Lackey, Tom and wife Charlotte Lackey, and Charlie and wife Sue Lackey, along with a host of nieces, nephews and many good friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Margaret Lackey.

There will be a time for paying respects on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 2-6pm at Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax, OK and Wednesday morning from 10-noon.  A graveside service will be held in his honor Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 1pm at the Riverside Cemetery in Ralston, OK with Pastor Mike Brock presiding.  Pallbearers will be Spin Kennedy Jr., Robert Kennedy, T.J Hutchison, Jeffery Taylor, Austin Lackey, Dustin Lackey.  Honorary bearers will be Bob Quill, Spin Kennedy Sr, Pat Lackey, Vince Taylor.

Please remember to wear face masks and practice social distancing during the services.