Louis A. Mack passed away peacefully at home in Bandera, Texas surrounded by his family on Feb. 25, 2024. He was 96 years old.
Louis was born in South Dakota to Louis and Susan Mack and was one of 10 children. He and his siblings were proud of the Dakota Sioux ancestry they inherited from their mother. Louis prioritized family above all else and maintained close relationships with his sisters, brothers and their families throughout his life.
He met the love of his life, Shermalee, while attending the Navy’s V-5 program during WWII. They married shortly after the war and were together for over 70 years until her death several years ago. Louis and Shermalee raised 8 children with loving, steady guidance. The door was always open to each of their 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and every visit brought them joy.
Louis served in the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration Service for many years. He was also a building contractor. After retiring, he and Shermalee built and operated a successful business with assistance from their children. The occupation he enjoyed above all others was making sculptures alongside his wife. They created the Mack Cowboy collection of bronze sculptures that have been exhibited throughout the US.
Louis is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with his youngest sister and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shermalee, and his daughter, Ellen.
The family extends our most sincere thanks to his loving caregivers and for the excellent care provided by the Peterson Hospice team. We are also deeply grateful to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church for ministering to Louis’s spiritual needs.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera, Texas on May 11 at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota or the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera, Texas.
