John “Mac” Rightsell, the son of Jack and Dorothy (Irvin) Rightsell, was born August 3, 1942, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He attended Westboro High School, Westboro, Missouri, graduating in 1960. In April of 1966, Mac entered the United States Army, serving his country and received an honorable discharge in January of 1968.
Mac was united in marriage to Alice Echard and became parents of three daughters, Marcia, Melissa, and stepdaughter, Jean. They later divorced. In August of 1994, Mac was united in marriage to Pamela Kay VanLeuven in Blanchard, Ohio. He became stepfather to Lisa, Adam, and Rick.
Mac was a farmer, where he farmed his homestead in Blanchard, Iowa. Later, he was employed as an over-the-road truck driver with Carlson & Son, hauling grain and seed. Mac retired in 2020.
Mac was a member of the Merrill Smith American Legion Post #32, Westboro. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his family. Mac was well-known for his sarcastic wit and joking nature. All who encountered Mac had an opportunity to laugh and banter. Mac passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his home in Tarkio, Missouri, at the age of 81.
Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy; children, Lisa Simmons and Adam Meyer; and brother, Richard “Dick” Rightsell. He is survived by wife, Pam Rightsell; children, Marcia (Tim) Tope, Melissa (Jeffrey) Cutter, Jean (Todd) Hathhorn, and Rick Meyer; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ben, Zach, Jesse, Dillan, and Bracton; sister, Nellie (Scott) Frizzell; niece, De (Brian) Burns, great-nephews and great-niece, Thomas, Travis, Tanner, and Hope; and niece, Darcy Frizzell and great-niece, Hazel Frizzell.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 17, 2024, at Davis Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Glenn Scott. Inurnment was at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Military rites were under the auspices of Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to John “Mac” Rightsell Memorial Fund or Three Rivers Hospice. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.