ODESSA Gary "Mackey" Houser, was born Oct. 12, 1962.

He passed away at his home on Feb. 17, 2009, at 9:30 p.m. after a lengthy illness.

His sister, Karla Houser Bird preceded him in death on Dec. 18, 2007.

Mackey was an avid snow skier and golfer. He was a loyal supporter of his favorite football teams, the Permian Panthers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was a wonderful husband and father. The light of his life was his daughter Amanda, and he was so proud of her achievements. He was part owner of Houser Auto Sales and continued to work as he was able. Mackey was a graduate of Permian High School and Southwest Texas University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He was also a member of First Christian Church Odessa. Mackey courageously battled cancer and kidney disease for four years and will be dearly missed.

Gary is survived by his wife, Laura Houser; a daughter, Amanda Houser; his parents, Johnnie and Joyce Houser; and a brother, Johnny Houser Jr. and wife Tonya and son, Cody, all of Odessa; brother-in-law, Lee Royce Bird and sons, Luke and Bront, all of Odessa; his uncle, Dayton Boren and wife Virginia of Brady; cousins, Susan James of Marble Falls, Vickie Kelley of Salado, Gayla Heberling of Fort Worth, Annette Burkman of Brownwood, Susan Hillburn of Austin and Lee Sanders of Midland. He is also survived by aunts, Vada Duncan of Brownwood and Imogene Gray of Austin; in-laws, Howard and Carole Millsap of Odessa, brother-in-law, Michael Millsap and wife Kathy and children Leigha and Kragen of Austin.

Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at First Christian Church, Odessa, 601 N. Lee with Steve Digby officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.mem.com.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Published in the Odessa American on 2/19/2009