Dr. Robert Warren Mackey, life-long Tulsan, beloved pediatrician, loving husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on New Year's Eve at St. Francis Hospital, where he practiced medicine for over 35 years.
"Dr. Bob" was born February 4, 1937, at Morningside Hospital moments before his identical twin brother, Dr. Richard Louis Mackey, of St. Louis who survives him. They were the sons of Warren and Johnnie Mackey and were lovingly raised by Sid and Agnes "Ludi" Lazarus, their paternal aunt and uncle.
Dr. Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Connie Davis and her husband, Robert L. Davis, of Tulsa. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Peacock Mackey, of Tulsa and brother, Dr. Richard Louis Mackey and his wife, Eileen of St. Louis. Upon first seeing Nancy, Dr. Bob told his twin "that's the girl I'm going to marry." In 53 years of marriage they rarely spent a night apart.
He is also survived by his children, Ralph Edward Mackey and Whitney Eschenheimer, her husband Nick Eschenheimer; and grandsons, Andrew and Luke, all of Tulsa.
The Mackey twins were the first boys to attend Monte Cassino School and graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School. He continued as an avid supporter of Cascia Hall sports throughout his life.
He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washington University, St. Louis where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, a connection that was lifelong including the 50 year club. He graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1963 and did his internship and residency in pediatrics at Charity Hospital, New Orleans. Upon returning to Tulsa, Dr. Bob joined the pediatric medical practice of Dr. Killis C. Reese, whose reputation in pediatrics was unparalleled. After acquiring the practice, Dr. Bob followed closely in the footsteps of his mentor and friend as a single practitioner of renown in pediatrics. He raised generations of Tulsa families with the help and dedication of Sue Carter and Janie Beason, his nursing staff for the duration of his practice. "Peds" was his God-given calling, his passion and became a life-long quest for knowledge of his specialty. He also volunteered his services for Neighbor for Neighbor Health Clinic and Catholic Charities. He cherished his Osage tribal heritage and history.
Dr. Mackey was a man of great faith, a devout Catholic and long-time member of the Church of St. Mary. His generosity of time and genuinely kind spirit were the hallmarks of his life. He gave of himself and his expertise freely to those in need including making house calls anytime of the day or night. His sense of humor followed wherever he went.
He loved the game of golf and was a member of Southern Hills Country Club. On any given Sunday, he could be found wearing a St. Louis Cardinals jersey. In his later years he traveled the world with Nancy and dear friends.
He is also survived by his nephews and nieces whom he loved as though they were his own, Jeff Davis, Mark Davis, Anna Claire Essman, Ludi Beasley, John Davis, Karen Lang, Mary Hohenberg, Ruth Carse, Brian Mackey, M.D., and their families. —our world will be forever changed with the loss of a holy, faithful and humble gentleman doctor.
Bible vigil and rosary will be held 5 p.m., Monday, January 4, at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 South Boulder Avenue. A funeral Mass celebrating Dr. Mackey's life will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, at the Church of St. Mary, 1347 East 49th Place, Tulsa.
Friends may honor Dr. Mackey's memory with contributions to the Parent Child Center, 1421 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119,
www.parentchildcenter.org/
; or a charity of choice.
FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151.