Mack Calek Herron

Mack Calek Herron, 25 years old of Centralia, IL passed away at Franklin Hospital in Benton, Illinois on Wednesday, August 31st. 

Mack was born October 25, 1996, in Centralia, IL, son of Carleka Downey and McArthur Herron.

Mack graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 2015 where he was a basketball athlete and talented artist. He was especially skilled and talented with his hands and could draw and sketch the most beautiful portraits free-hand. Mack accepted Christ as a late teen and was baptised at Second Baptist Church in Centralia, Il by his great-uncle Minister Joung Young.  He later became a self-employed Barber. He had a great passion for barbering and serviced hundreds of clients in the Mt. Vernon, Centralia and surrounding communities. Not only did he service those in the community, but he was so highly sought after, that clients would travel from other cities and states just to sit in his chair. To say that his hands were blessed would be an understatement. Many would sign off on the fact that he was the “coldest in the game”.  Mack was also employed by Bryan Manor in Centralia, Il.

He was a very affectionate brother, father, son and grandson.  He made sure to stay in contact with all of his siblings who did not live in the area, and spent time with those who did daily. He was connected at the hip with Amier and Qadeem, and would go to war over them and his mother. Mack loved hard, and made sure that you knew exactly how he felt about you. 

When his son Iy’lan was born, his world changed. The love he had in his heart grew and he did his best to start living for him. He and Iy’lan had just began their journey of learning and growing together. 

His sense of style never went unnoticed. Mack stayed fresh with a crispy line up. He had a habit of laying his clothes out the night or day before, and was always sure to have a bathroom occupied for at least an hour when getting ready. It was a love/hate staple in his relationship with him and his brothers that will never be forgotten.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents Carleka Downey Spann (David), McArthur Herron and son Iy’lan, grandparents Lisa Jones of Centralia, Carlos (Deedra) Downey of TX, Linola Spann of Mt. Vernon, Boaz (Barb) Spann of MS and Janice Watson of Centralia. Great-grandparents Norma Lytle, Flozell (Glenda) Bates all of Centralia. Eleven siblings, Sherrod, Shania, Blake, Christian, McKeena all of Tennessee. McKyra of Carbondale, Maxwell and Maliyah of Centralia. Bryce, Amier and Qadeem all of Mt.Vernon and a host of relatives and friends.

Mack was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Helena Bates, great-grandmother Lucinda Talley, great-grandfather Wyndell Lytle, grandfather Vernon Jones, grandfather McArthur Golliday, great-grandfather Woodrow Golliday and brother Christoff Spann.  

A Homegoing service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022, at City Hope Church in Centralia with Rev. Isaac Parker officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Repast will follow the graveside service at City Hope Church. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made in Mack’s honor to the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Mack may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Mack Herron with arrangements.                                        

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