Dwight E. McCracken (Bolivar) 's Obituary
Dwight Edward (Mac) McCracken, age 93 of Bolivar, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility in Buffalo, MO after a lingering illness.
He was born the first of three children to Thomas McCracken and Helen (Robinson) McCracken on February 21, 1921 in Marysville, OH.
Mac to his many friends, led a very full enriched life. A tremendously accomplished man, he had the opportunity to be a positive force for thousands of people who will be forever indebted to him for his role at pivotal points in their lives. He was a man of integrity who said what he meant and meant what he said. Large in stature and in being, he will be remembered by many with warm memories and gratitude.
His farming family moved to San Jacinto, CA when he was seven and he graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1939. After graduation he found work in several capacities and voluntarily gave up an excellent position in the aircraft industry to serve the nation in the U. S. Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor. He served the nation with distinction in the Pacific, participating in the bloody Tarawa campaign.
Following the end of the Second World War, he attended the University of Redlands where he earned letter in five different sports as well as his Bachelor’s Degree in physical education. He chose education as his career path and taught mathematics courses, wood shop and physical education in high schools in Victorville, Banning, Bellflower, Tustin and Mission Viejo. He continually pursued furthering his education and ultimately earned the equivalent of five Masters Degrees. He continually climbed the career ladder and retired as a principal.
His biggest love during his career in education came through his coaching cross country and track and field. A skilled organizer, he initiated the National Records Relays, and unprecedented track and field meet that gathered high school athletes and teams from across southern California and the nation. He coached five athletes in track and field that would go on to the Olympics including two that brought a gold medal home to America.
Upon retirement, he returned to the Hemet/San Jacinto valley before relocating to Morrisville, MO in 2005. Later he moved to Bolivar.
He was preceded in death by parents, his wife Dorothy.
Surviving is his sons, Bruce and Tom and several Cousins
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