MOUNT VERNON — Milton “Mick” E. Puckett, 90, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 am July 2, 2023 in Mount Vernon. He was born August 2, 1932 in Rural McClellan Township, Jefferson County, Illinois to the late Arthur L. and Susie (Earls) Puckett. Mick married Kay (Stewart) Puckett on December 30, 1956 in South Hickory Hill Christian Church.
In addition to his beloved wife of nearly sixty-seven years, Mick is survived by his son, Marty Puckett and wife, Becky of Mount Vernon, Illinois; brother, Troy Puckett and friend, Diane of Mount Vernon, Illinois; sisters, Stella Ann Patterson of Bourbonnais, Illinois and Jeannette Smith and husband, Gerald “Smitty” of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and sister-in-law, Reba Puckett of Mount Vernon, Illinois.
In addition to his parents, Mick was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Puckett and siblings, Arthur Glen Puckett, Christine Shannon, George E. Puckett, and Leo Puckett.
Mick grew up in rural McClellan Township and attended Central School. As the fourth of eight children, he enjoyed the childhood of a typical country kid in the 1930s and 40s, including playing outside all day, farming, learning mechanic skills and how to fix anything with an engine.
He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean conflict from 1952-1954. He served as an Army medic at Camp Hale Colorado, home of the Mountain and Cold Weather Training Command. While there, Mick learned how to ski and rappel/climb from world class mountaineers, including the famous Jim and Lou Whittaker.
After returning from the service, Mick went to work at General Motors Electromotive Division in LaGrange Illinois. While there, his first new car purchase was a turquoise and ivory 1955 Chevrolet. Marriage brought him back from the north, and he worked at Mt. Vernon Shoe Factory. In 1969, he took a position at Precision National and retired from rebuilding locomotive engines after twenty-five years.
Mick was a lifelong member of South Hickory Hill Christian Church. He served as President of the McClellan School Board for four years and as President of South Hickory Hill Cemetery for forty-four years. He also enjoyed farming his entire life and quail hunting with his brothers-in-law. He was the go-to mechanic in the neighborhood when a car, truck, tractor, or lawnmower needed fixing. Mick and his son Marty restored a 1955 Chevy and he worked with his brother Troy on his classic GMC truck. In later years he traded in working on equipment for rides in the car and ice cream dates with his daughter-in-law Becky. Mick enjoyed spending time with his beloved nieces and nephews at family BBQs, picnics in the yard and eating out in town. Mick was always willing to help a neighbor or friend.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Mr. David Sowers and Mr. Britt Fullerton officiating. Interment will follow at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Mick’s honor to South Hickory Hill Cemetery.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.