Col. Grover Staton McMakin (USAF Ret), age 81 died Friday, September 2, 2011.

"Mac" was born July 1, 1930 in Roswell, New Mexico and graduate High School at the New Mexico Military Institute in 1948. He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Oklahoma State University in 1952. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. He received his Navigator/Bombardier wings and 2nd Lieutenant in 1953 and his Pilot wings in 1957. He served our county in many capacities throughout his career; Pilot in the Security Service, Chief of the Pacific Security Region Flight Section, Chief of the USAFSS Flight Diversion, Squadron Commander of the 6994th Security Squadron (1971-1974), Squadron Commander for the 6916th Security Squadron, the first permanent Commander of the 6994th Security Wing, Director of Training HQ USAFSS, and Commander of the 6960th Support Group. Upon retirement in 1980, he returned to San Antonio, Texas where he received his Bachelors in Business Accounting in 1984. He worked at USAA as a Certified Public Accountant, retiring in 1992. While in the military, he received the Legion of Merit with One Oak Leaf, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with Two Oak Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Five Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He enjoyed volunteering his accounting skills with the Wilford Hall Volunteer Association and served as the treasurer of the Freedom through Vigilance Association, as well as the USAA Golden Eagle Club. Mac's greatest achievement was his family. He was a devoted Husband and Father and an outstanding Grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved Wife, Betty Jean McMakin. He installed a strong sense of God, country and family to his surviving Son, Kelly McMakin, Daughter-in-law Melissa McMakin, Granddaughter Skyler McMakin and Grandson, Nick Patrizio.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
10:00 A.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH ROAD