Jackie Donald McMahan of Princeton, Texas passed away December 21, 2016, at the age of 84. He was born October 25, 1932, to William Olan McMahan and Bessie A. Recer in Climax, Texas. He married the love of his life, Alice Ann Gantt, on June 14, 1952, in Princeton, Texas. During the course of their sixty-four year marriage, Jackie served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was a Petroleum Landman for Mobil Oil. Together they farmed near Princeton, and Jackie’s love of the land was evident to all who knew him. A great source of pride for him was that the land he owned and worked was proclaimed a 100 Year Family Land Heritage Farm by the State of Texas. He was awarded the High Cotton Award by Texas Southwest Press for his devotion to farming and agricultural research. He served many years on the Cotton Incorporated board, chairing the research committee. Having earned a Doctorate from Texas A&M Commerce, he instilled a great respect for education in his two sons and five grandchildren. He also served as chairman of the Princeton Independent School District Board. Jackie was a voracious reader and extremely sharp minded. He had a memory and recall that amazed everyone.
Jackie's greatest love and source of pride was his family. His dedication to caring for Alice Ann was undaunted, regardless of his own health. The immense love and pride he felt for his sons was made even greater by the immense love and pride he felt for each of his grandchildren. The times dearest to his heart were when the whole family would gather at Big Cedar on Lake Table Rock. His greatest wish was that his family remain close in their relationships, encouraging them to keep that tradition for generations to come.
Jackie is survived by his wife, Alice McMahan of Princeton, Texas; sons, Don McMahan (Nancy) of Newhall, Iowa, and David McMahan (Diana) of Climax, Texas; grandchildren, Sheli Guinn (Clint) of Princeton, Texas, Levi McMahan (Christina) of Princeton, Texas, Rachel McKeever (Andrew) of Center Point, Iowa, Donnie McMahan (Maria) of Pella, Iowa, and Kathryn Ives (Paul) of Little Rock, Arkansas; and great-grandchildren, Colt Guinn and Alliann Guinn.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Climax Community, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for memorials made to the charity of your choice in Jackie’s memory.