Mack Lemore Wilkey fell “head over heels in love” with MorRae Blain; they were married Aug. 17, 1950 in the Manti Temple. After thirteen years of missing her daily presence, as of his passing on Feb. 9, 2022, they are together again.
She supported his early mornings of drivers ed, enjoyment of mountain time—particularly with her father Max Blain and their sons—and his nineteen-year coaching career, which included basketball, football, track, boxing, swimming, and tennis.
As a sophomore at Juab High School, he was cut from the basketball team. After hours of determined practice, he not only made the team but went on to play at Snow College and at Utah State University.
Always a coach, he continued his love of sports through grandchildren and adopted grandchildren in the community. As a coach, he was uncompromising in maintaining team integrity, discipline and unity. He’d want every one of the 24 grandchildren and the greats, all 44 of them, as well as a great-great-grandson coming in April to hear his recounting of the basketball championship of ‘69.
That year, he was chosen High School Coach of the Year; later he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.
MorRae appreciated his large garden and the harvest; he’d love to brag about his monster squash, “best” carrots in Sanpete County and lemon elberta peaches. At 92, he gardened, conquered “millions” of weeds, and mowed his own lawn.
Mack appreciated MorRae’s homemade bread, dill pickles, and jam. Not only did he miss her cooking, but he learned to make all three, extraordinarily. Grandchildren affectionately call him the “pancake king.” He’d make delicious whole wheat pancakes and explain all the wonders of Kolob at the same time.
Mack and MorRae treasured their adventures with her sisters, Sherrol and Carolyn, and their husbands, and also with his family. His sisters, Gayle, Marie and stepsister Sandra will miss their older brother. His brother Neil and their parents Clarence Wilkey and Helen McPherson preceded them in death.
M and M – that’s how Mack would sign in beautiful handwriting – spent fifteen years serving together in the Manti Temple. As a temple sealer, he was honored to perform the ordinance for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. M and M supported one another in responsibilities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including bishop of the Mt. Pleasant 4th Ward and Snow College Married Ward, stake high councilor, teacher of seminary and gospel doctrine, and Cub Scoutmaster. The latter suited well a man who was not afraid to have fun, wear a crazy outfit or dance.
Dancing! He loved to dance with the little grandchildren, and he enjoyed the dancing performances of granddaughters. He also liked to entertain grandchildren with homemade games and his stories. In a visit, he may pull out some of the many charts he had made for his multiple teaching opportunities. His lettering was masterful. His favorite poster was his plan of salvation chart. His artistic talent also included teaching art, throwing pottery, and oil painting.
Music was also dear to him and MorRae. They not only sang duets together—particularly “Abide with Me” at funerals—but also in family gatherings. They supported their children’s and grandchildren’s musical performances. He was also called upon to speak in coaching clinics, conferences and yes, in funerals.
Mack was firm in his testimony of the restored gospel and the divine mission of Joseph Smith. He received a witness of the Book of Mormon while on board ship, the US Randall, as part of the 147th Army Artillery bound for Korea and the conflict there. While in Korea, he and army buddies built the first chapel of the church there.
Upon his passing, many family members and friends commented, “Bless his heart. He fought the good fight. Now on to the victory kiss with his eternal queen and their happy dance. I hope Heavenly Father lets us peek at reunions in the next life.” Truly he did “return with honor.”
His children and spouses, Dave (Loralee), Debra (Steven Howell), Kevin (Ruth), Kim (Christine), and Michelle (Glenn Day) thank his loyal friends, hospice team, ward “family” and all those he coached, taught, and influenced.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 18 and 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Mt. Pleasant Stake Center, 295 South State. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Feb. 19, Mt. Pleasant Stake Center. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.
Online memories may be written at rasmussenmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, Mack suggests contributions to your preferred humanitarian aid organization or to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
