Darrell MacKenzie of McGregor was tragically taken in the prime of his life early Sunday morning, November 11, 2012, at the age of 49. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, November 16, 2012, at Cole Funeral Home Chapel, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor with Daniel Reyna officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paul Memorial Park in Crawford. Visitation will be 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday, at Cole Funeral Home. Darrell was born December 1, 1962, in Gatesville, Texas and attended McGregor High School. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1981 until his honorable discharge in 1987, in the Sea Bees where he learned his trade of heavy equipment operation and ultimately became the dirt work "artist" he was. Darrell was employed by Hercules for thirteen years, until the plant closed giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dream of having his own dirt work business. In more recent years, he was employed by his dear friend Jerry Niemeier, at N2Deep as an amazing heavy equipment operator. Darrell was a special son, brother, dad and friend to all. His presence filled the room with abundant happiness and he shared his kindness, happiness and love with so many, always ready to lend a helping hand. He had a special gift with people. Darrell leaves many hearts with holes in them now. His big, warm, ever present smile and wonderful laugh will never fade. He is now in the arms of angels, continuing to smile down on us. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched, but never forgotten. Preceding him in death was a sister Laura Kay MacKenzie; grandparents, Walter and Marie Mattlage, Roy and Elizabeth MacKenzie and Loy and Jean Fulp.Survivors include his parents, Roy and Judy (Mattlage) MacKenzie of McGregor; a daughter, Rachel Niles of Elm Mott; a brother, Scott MacKenzie of Waco; a sister, Terry MacKenzie of Temple as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and a host of friends. Other survivors include Charles Miller, Jamie and Jason Fulp and a special friend, "Mama LaJuan" Pledger.Casketbearers will be Brett Anderson, Michael Brem, Mike Brenagar, Scott MacKenzie, Jerry and Jason Niemeier, Stuart Parsons, Craig and Cory Pledger. Honorary casketbearers are his multitude of friends, which would include anyone he ever met. For those desiring, the family has suggested the charity of the donor's choice for memorial contributions.