Vic Mackool, 87, of Beaumont, died Friday, October 5, 2012.  He was born December 8, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to Libby Beyrooty Mackool and Lutfallah Mackool, and had been a longtime resident of the area.

Vic was a United States Army 101st Airborne Division veteran, having served in World War II.  He served in the European Theater of Operations with the 101st Airborne Division from 1943 – 1945.  Vic received five Presidential Unit Citations, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and two Bronze Service Stars.  He served in Normandy, Holland, Bastogne, Carenton, and then Berchtesgaden (The Eagle’s Nest).  

After returning home to Miami, Florida, he opened a dry cleaning plant (Mackool’s Cleaners) with his Father by day, and by night he sang in night clubs throughout Miami Beach.

Vic retired from the dry cleaning industry in 1989 and became an avid tennis player and moved to Beaumont, Texas, in 1998, where he became involved singing locally and donated time to  newspapers, radio, and television to educate people on the history of World War II.  Vic also spoke at rotary clubs and schools. 

Vic Mackool is survived by his wife, Nancy Mackool; daughter, Tammy Mackool Randazzo and her husband, Jimmy, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Vic’s cat, Tiki.

A gathering of Mr. Mackool’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His committal was held at Broussard's Crematorium.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas  77704; or to the charity of one’s choice.