Edward (Eddie) H. Lackey, 59, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011 at his residence in Niederwald, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.
Eddie was born in Austin, Texas on December 22, 1951 to Virgil Leroy and Hazel Viola Lackey. He spent his youth between Texas and California settling his adult years around the Austin area. He is preceded in death by both parents and brothers Virgil and Johnny Lackey.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Harris Lackey, daughter and son-in-law Tina and Tim Pena and grandchildren Hunter and Hayden Pena of Austin, sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Percy Heaslet of Marble Falls, Texas brother Tommy Lackey of Bridgeport, Texas, nieces Cathy Heaslet, of Marble Falls, Sherry Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Tricia Wacker of Denver, Colorado along with aunts, cousins and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family members which loved him dearly.
Prior to Eddie’s career in road and utility construction, he was a carpenter and loved building things with his hands. He began his career in road and utility construction in the early 1980s, being employed for 22-plus years with Ned Ross Company as a Project Manager resulting in his handiwork and expertise becoming major roads and City Improvement Projects within the infrastructure design of Austin. He changed his employer in April of 2002 to partner with and launch John Thames Excavating, based in Buda, Texas where he was employed at the time he lost his battle with lung cancer. Eddie was an expert in his field, knowing all angles of the construction industry. He wore many hats in his profession, earning great respect and admiration for his knowledge, years of experience and common horse sense. His legacy can be seen in various projects around Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.
Eddie grew up hunting and experiencing the great outdoors which he loved. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed the challenge. His love for the animal kingdom was enormous as he had a natural magnetism with the wild critters. He sought pleasure in water sports, motorcycles, fishing, boating and relaxing at the lake or ocean. He was a world traveler with his favorite destinations being an island where he could scuba or snorkel. A true rare breed of a man.
A celebration of Eddie’s life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Ruby Ranch Lodge in Buda, Texas beginning at 10 a.m. For anyone wishing to honor Eddie’s life, the family asks donations to be made to CTMC Hospice Care in San Marcos, Texas or the World Wildlife Fund in lieu of flowers.
