Russell "Rusty" Wayne Mackey was born July 27, 1960 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Wayne L. and Judy Branstetter Mackey, both of Arnett, Oklahoma.

Rusty spent his first eight years at Flomot, Texas, Pringle, Texas and Blair, Oklahoma. He and Mom and Dad and Sisters Tammie and Karen moved to Gage in 1969 where he started the second grade and graduated with the Class of 1979.

Rusty started pumping wells at age sixteen with his Dad and Harold Cole. He attended college at Panhandle State University for a while before going back to work in the oilfield. He worked on drilling rigs for a time and then returned to pumping wells. Rusty also did some custom wheat harvesting.

In 1983 Rusty bought the Gage Quick Stop and renamed it "Last Chance Quick Stop". He expanded the store so people in Gage could get groceries closer to home.

Rusty was united in marriage to Paula Cadwell in 1992. He became a loving father to Paula's son, Fletcher. While living in Gage, Olivia Chenae and Mary Elizabeth were born.

In 1994 the family moved to Marietta, Georgia. Another addition to the family, Audrey Pauline, arrived. In 1996 they moved back to Gage. Rusty went back to pumping and continued until his passing. He served as a member of the Gage School Board for five years.

Rusty became grandpa "Poppy" in November, 2010 when Brody Wayne Mackey was born. He was sure that Brody was the smartest and strongest boy in all of Ellis County.

Rusty always had a big smile and especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, music, dogs, hunting, going to the lake and dancing. He was happiest when his house was packed full of family. Rusty passed from this life on March 15, 2012 at the age of 51 in Chula Vista, California.

Rusty was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, George and Della Mackey. He is survived by his children, Mary Elizabeth, Audrey, Olivia, Fletcher Mackey and parents, Wayne and Judy Mackey all of Gage, Oklahoma; sisters, Karen Perkins and husband Kelly of Gage, Oklahoma, Tammie Bay and husband David of Shattuck, Oklahoma; grandson, Brody Wayne Mackey; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other family members and many many friends.
A fund has been set up for Rusty's children at Oklahoma State Bank in Gage, Oklahoma. Also, memorials may be made in Rusty's memory to the San Diego Clinic, Dr. Filiberto Munoz, Imunology. Send memorials to Karen Perkins RR 1 Box 17 AA Gage, OK. She will then forward your donation. Thank You.