George Edward Mack Jr.

George Edward Mack, Jr., 86, of Lake Charles, LA passed away Friday, November 17, 2023, in his home surrounded by his immediate family. George was born October 26, 1937 to George Edward Mack, Sr. and Jean Mae Feigh in Niagara Falls, NY. He lived his early years in New York and Canada before his family moved to New Orleans as a young boy. New Orleans became his home and he attended Redemptorist High School, where he excelled in both academics and football. It was here where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Staub (Betty). George married Betty two days after graduating high school on June 1, 1956 in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel which began a wonderful, lifelong example of love and devotion. George and Betty were blessed with 5 children, 2 girls and 3 boys.

After high school, George enlisted in the Louisiana Air National Guard where he completed his basic training at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS. He obtained his Electronics License and FAA Radio License and used these skills at Belle Chasse Air Force Base to troubleshoot and maintain the electronics systems on a multitude of aircraft for over 13 years. He completed his 20 years of service working with the Louisiana Air National Guard Reserves and retired faithfully and honorably as Master Sergeant. In 1971, George moved his family to Lake Charles, LA where he worked for Alcoa for almost 30 years representing both the union and company side of the Aluminum Industry. George was an extremely talented problem solver, and maintenance man, who worked well with his hands. He prided himself on his ability to always measure twice and cut once. His projects were well documented, budgeted and presented before execution. He was like this in his professional and personal life. George loved to hunt and fish in his free time and had fond memories of his fishing trips and duck hunting trips with buddies. Later in life he loved to spend time at his deer lease where he would solo hunt with his rifle, primitive gun and bow. George was an active man throughout his life and stayed busy in his free time with his model trains, complete with elaborate set-ups to include tunnels, trestles and cities. He also kept busy with running and weightlifting where he could easily put in 20 miles in a single run or measure himself in his age group for how much he could bench press. George was a devoted Catholic who was proud of his faith and was an outstanding role model for his family. He participated in many church activities such as the centering prayer group at the St. Charles Center, Our Lady of Good Counsel charismatic prayer group, multiple marriage retreats, silent retreats, adoration of the blessed sacrament at Our Lady Queen of Heaven and a Cursillo at Grand Couteau.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beautiful wife Betty, who he loved for over 67 years of marriage, their five children Gerard (Karla) Mack of Lake Charles, LA, Karen (Rodney) Schwertner of Lake Charles, LA, Catherine (affectionally called “Cathy”) Mack of Lake Charles, LA, George (Dana) Mack of Lake Charles, LA and Greg (Stephanie) Mack of Lake Charles, LA, along with his brother Gene Mack of New Orleans, LA sister in-laws Diane Staub of New Orleans, LA, Eloise Rafferty of New Orleans, LA along with 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Scott Edward Schwertner of Lake Charles, LA, his brother in-laws Harold Staub, Walter Staub, Gene Staub, Richard Staub, John Rafferty and John Rhoden and his sister in-laws Mary Rhoden, Theresa Staub and Terry Staub.

George wanted special recognition for his middle child “Cathy” who was his inspiration and motivation and his best friend during his later years. She spent multiple hours assisting him with his deer lease and many household projects. The family would also like to thank the doctors and staff with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Memorial Home Health and St. Joseph Hospice for their exceptional professionalism and compassion to the family.

Services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 5495 Elliott Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70605 with visitation from 10:00AM until 12:30PM followed by a rosary to be recited at 12:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00PM. A private entombment will be held at Consolata Cemetery at a later date.