Tex and I served together in the COMSEVFLT Band in 1964-‘65 traveling the Far East.   He was a terrific musician, easy going, great sense of humor and possessed leadership skills enabling him to have a stellar career as Navy musician for 26 years.  His memory will be forever eternal.🙏✝️

Tex!  My band leader in Newport, 70s, One of a kind a legend will be missed.

William B Hart USN (Ret.) 1976-1996

Was very sad to hear of Tex's passing.  An excellent musician and leader, he will be missed by those of us who were part of the U.S. Navy musicians community.   Rest now shipmate..... Mission over... well done!  Save me a seat in the band.

Jim Richards
MUCS, USN ret.

I served under Tex in Newport, RI in the early 1980s.  He was an excellent musician, excellent band leader and a great man!  Even though we didn't keep in touch all these years he will be greatly missed!

You can just see Tex's head on front right

I went through the Navy School of Music with Tex as well as part of Unit Band 129 that became the Commander 7th Fleet band (pictured, Tex is trombone on far left) in the Far East in 1963-1965. Tex was a fellow trombone player, excellent I may add, and always a character. RIP my friend.

The memories I have of "Tex" from our time in Navy fleet band Unit 129 are strong and vivid.  He was a great influencer.  I'm just sorry I couldn't follow him and his accomplishments through later life.  What others have written help bring me up to speed.
Richard Bahman  trumpeter

Mac "Tex" Waldron, was not only a really good musician but when we were in USN Unit Band 129 together, he did a lot of transcribing, writing and arranging, giving us some great charts to play besides the mundane ones supplied by the Navy. He was always looking for ways to better our performance situation under difficult circumstances. It was a privilege to be in that band.
Always remember him saying, "You know what happens when you mess with the bull-you get the horns", and, "You better watch it  boy, or I'm going to put the e-tie (Japanese for hurt) on you", when anyone got him wound up about something. He really had a good nature.
Got to see him, his beautiful wife, and some of his family members, in Las Vegas, for their anniversary about 20 years ago. 
RIP brother.

Mack, I have so many fond memories of our years growing up in East Texas. Being only two years younger than you, I considered you more as a brother than an uncle. Working together in Grandma’s vegetable garden, fishing/camping on the Sabine River, working in Grandpa’ s sawmill and  cutting logs, you were my Hero, Protector, and Best Friend. What great times we had! You had to be so loved by all in your family. May you rest in peace. 
 Charles Fant, nephew

I met Mack when he was bartending at George's Bar & Grill (correct venue name?) while serving in the Coast Guard, stationed in Seattle from 1990-2000. At the time I had a part time job with a freight forwarder near the Georgetown area.  After getting off late at night, I would stop for a drink on the way home. Although I didn't know Mack well, he was clearly a fascinating character. He mentioned that he performed at Tula's, a nearby jazz club. Regrettably I never got to see him play. Despite our relatively brief interaction, I was very sad to hear of his passing. He was one of those rare acquaintances, that I presume we all encounter in life, who provoke lasting and vivid memories. Long may you run, Mack.

“Tex” Waldron the one Navy Bandleader  I had to really push me and develop my skills as a Big Band singer with Navy Band Seattle from 1985-1989… Connecting with your audience.. realize now how much a Thrill and Rare experience it is now to even perform with a Big Band especially with the caliber of fellow Navy Band musicians 
We were all Blessed by Tex’s enthusiasm energy and expertise.
Blessings to your family…. Even though it’s been over 30 years it seems like yesterday to me and I’m sure others in the Navy Band Family 
Sincerely 
Paul Ostler

I am so very grateful to have you as my father. I will forever remember your strength and love.

Mack, I've known you all of my life and I was always a big fan.  Also, I will never forget your and Demetra's generosity that helped me to get through a difficult period in my life.  I share this painful loss with all of your family and friends.  You were a fine man and will be rightfully missed by many.  Rest in peace Uncle Mack.

I was sorry to hear today that Tex has passed away. Sending much love to the family and his friends.

 I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him when I was stationed at Navy band Seattle, and to see him again when I stopped in to Tula's a number of years ago

RIP, Tex.

Tex and I were members of the Commander Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) Band together in this March, 1968 photo. He was an outstanding musician. I had the pleasure of performing at his club, Tula's, in Seattle with several different local bands. He was a gracious host. Tex, you'll be missed.  g

So sorry to learn of his passing. Tex and I were stationed together in Japan in the late '60s. He was a wonderful musician. g

Shared GREAT times and created some wonderful memories with Tex at Pier 91.  Sorry for your loss and more Sorry I didn't keep in contact more.

God bless you and enjoying playing with the Buddy Rich band. Loved meeting you at the Navy Musician  reunion

Our thought's and Prayers to the family.  Tex has been a friend, leader and father to us in the Navy Band.  We will think of him and the good time often.
George & Julie Zecher

Tex It was an honor to serve with you and appreciated your guidance and mentorship.

OBITUARY

Elliott Mack Waldron Sr.

December 28, 1941 – January 21, 2024

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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