Obituary of Richard & Laura Macklin

On Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, Richard King Macklin passed away at the age of 94. He follows his beloved wife, Laura Hayes Macklin, who passed away seven months earlier on Monday, May 8, 2023. Both Richard and Laura shared the same birthday, March 25. He was born in 1929 and she was born in 1938. Of course, they did everything together.

Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Carl John Macklin and Margaret King Macklin. He was an only child. The family address is listed in Lakewood, Ohio in the 1930 census. Richard (aka Dick) lived in a two-story brick home at 16807 Laverne Avenue.

Richard's adventures truly began with his recruitment into the U.S. Navy in WWII for Operation High Jump with Admiral Byrd. He was only 17 at the time. This expedition was much more than what it appeared on the surface but Dad and his shipmates never knew. You can see the story of Operation High Jump on YouTube and documentary networks.

The always-entertaining Richard had many other adventures that he would regale us with throughout his life. They ranged from rescuing family members for friends during the Cuban boat lift and finding the captain of Gen. Somosa's yacht when Nicaragua was overthrown by the Contras. This young captain became Martine Macklin (deceased), the adopted son of Richard and Laura.

Richard was married for the first time to Margaret Ann Kaufman Joyce, deceased. The couple had five children: Richard Michael Macklin, James Patrick Macklin, Daniel John Macklin (deceased), Deborah Ann Macklin Trebilcock (deceased), and Michael Nelson Macklin. 

Richard and Laura shared their story for more than 50 years. Laura brought three children to their marriage: Cindy Lee Landers, Neil Conrad Landers Jr., and Kevin Michael Landers (deceased). For many years the pair successfully ran their hospitality businesses and the interests of others in Key Colony Beach, Cooper City, Port St. Lucie, and Cocoa, Florida.

Laura also worked for several large corporations throughout her life ranging from CopperCraft to IBM to SCI, where she garnered numerous distinctions including top sales awards. As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, she was second to none. Her winning smile, her generous heart, and her reputation for kindness were treasured by all.

Laura is survived by daughter Cindy Landers, son and daughter-in-law Neil Conrad "Tim" Landers and Dena Landers; brother Donald Eugene Hayes and brother and sister-in-law Charles Kenneth Hayes and Betty Nash Hayes; and sister and brother-in-law Anita Hayes Elzey and Melvin Elzey, and sister and brother-in-law Rita Hayes Daiute and John Daiute.

Laura is preceded in death by her son Kevin Michael Landers; mother, Agnes Louise Pirkle Cooper; father, Charles Pinson "Bo" Hayes; and sisters, Linda Louise Hayes Clark and Jane Hayes Elrod.

Richard is survived by his sons, Richard Michael Macklin; James Patrick Macklin; and Michael Nelson Macklin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Hayes Macklin; son Daniel John Macklin; daughter Deborah Ann Macklin; and father and mother Carl John Macklin and Margaret King Macklin. Between them, Dick and Laura have 17 surviving grandchildren and more than 20 surviving great-grandchildren, including three that predeceased them.

The lives of Richard and Laura will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Viera (Rockledge), Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. They will be interred at Florida Memorial Gardens directly following the Celebration of Life.