Herbert "Mack" Sturgeon

Herbert Mack Sturgeon, the second son of Lawrence Rockwell “Swede” Sturgeon and J. Elaine Lamle Sturgeon, was born on August 3, 1954, in Enid, Oklahoma. Mack went to be with the Lord, and with loved ones who had passed before him, on July 24, 2025.

Mack grew up on the family farm near Helena, enjoying countless adventures with his siblings and cousins. Some of his fondest memories were made alongside his best friends, Delbert Hill and Jackie Snider. He attended Helena-Goltry Schools, graduating in 1972. While in school, Mack nurtured his love of athletics and animals. He was active in 4-H and FFA and excelled in football, earning Oklahoma All-State honors. In 1971, he was named an 8-Man All-Star Football player and helped lead his team to an 8-Man State Championship. After high school, he attended Oklahoma State University and Seminole State College, but his passion for horses continually called him back.

That love for horses remained a defining part of Mack’s life. In his younger years, he competed in a few rodeos, and later, he worked with and bred racehorses. He spent many years at racetracks as both a tattooer and trainer, always eager to return to the track or reconnect with old friends from the business. Mack also worked for nearly a decade at the Wrangler Jeans Distribution Plant in Seminole, where he formed many lasting friendships.

Mack was known for his big heart, quick wit, and deep devotion to family and friends. He loved holiday gatherings, kept in close touch with loved ones through frequent calls and visits, and enjoyed traveling to Florida to spend time with his brother — soaking up the “salt life” and beach fun. A friend to nearly everyone he met, Mack’s greatest joy and priority was always his son, Tanner.

In his retirement, Mack lived at Grand Lake, close to his son and friends, Shelly Heinzig and Neisha O’Brien. His lake home was a cherished gathering place for holidays and weekends filled with laughter, stories, and good company.

Mack is preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Lynn Sturgeon; his parents, Swede and Elaine Sturgeon, and his grandparents, Herbert and Almira Lamle and Olin and Goldia Sturgeon.

He is survived by his brother, Mike Sturgeon of St. Petersburg, Florida; his sister, Mistie Sturgeon Kline of Alva; his son and daughter-in-law, Tanner Sturgeon and Christina Filippakos of Tulsa; nieces and their families: Lauren Sturgeon and husband, Kevin Bailey of Washington, D.C., Cristalle and Jesse Pelfrey of Edmond, and Carrington and Taylor Kline of Alva. He also leaves behind a great-nephew and great-nieces Jackson Pelfrey and Kenneddie Pelfrey, Guenndolyn Elaine and Nelle Sturgeon Bailey.

Mack will be lovingly remembered by his close friends, Shelly Heinzig and Neisha O’Brien, his lifelong friends, Delbert Hill and Jackie Snider, and countless other family members and friends who were blessed by his presence and will miss him dearly.

Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Helena, Oklahoma Saturday September 6th at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials can be made to White Horse Ranch www.whitehorseranch.org and Bennies’ Barn www.benniebarn.org