John Maciel

John Maciel passed away 3-3-2026 after a long battle with lung and bone cancer.  He was blessed to have his loving wife Ida by his side.  John was 88 years old and was born November 23, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas.  He was the 7th child out of 21 born to Miguel and Guadalupe Maciel.  As migrant workers John traveled throughout the country with his parents and siblings, taking them to wherever there was work and eventually settling in the Billings area.  John always talked about Danford’s, who felt like second parents to him while growing up and spending time on their ranch.  He always talked about how they inspired his cowboy way of life.

John served in the US Army from July 61 through July 63 and received the Conduct Medal of Honor. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington.  John eventually worked for Midland Materials and JTL Construction driving cement mixer trucks.   After retiring he continued to work part time for DeVries Brothers Construction.  John was a dedicated and active member of the VFW Post 1634 here in Billings.  He loved making burritos for his VFW friends and devoted customers who would call in orders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Guadalupe Maciel, sisters: Mary Castro Diaz, Virgie Valdadez, and Lupe Garcia.  Brothers Joe, Mike, Raymond, Marcie, Fostino, Bernie and Sal.  John is survived by his sisters: Savina, Dorothy, Julia, Peggy and brothers Louie, Frank, Sammy, Richard, Greg and Tommy.  John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

John was a fun loving, full of life, strong, courageous, proud and an extremely loving man who will be dearly missed.

A livestream of the service can be viewed here: https://boxcast.tv/view/john-maciel-rxttd8xv6gt7gntwokbu