Richard Blake Mackan Jr. was born to Richard Blake Mackan Sr. and Minnie Ruth Laidacker Mackan of China, Texas. A lifelong resident of China, he is the longest-standing member of the China Methodist Church.

Richard grew up working alongside his father, “Blake,” in the rice fields, where they raised rice and registered Aberdeen Angus cattle. In 1966, Richard planted his first rice crop and went on to farm rice and cattle for the next 40 years, occasionally rotating in a soybean crop.

He and his late wife, Deanie, raised two children, Dana Trahan and Brandon Mackan, and were blessed with five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Over the years, Richard was very involved in his community. He served for several years on the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was an active leader in the North China 4-H Club alongside Deanie. Their home became a hub for 4-H activity, where they spent several weekends a year hosting weigh-ins, grooming sessions, and show practice for young members and their livestock projects.

Richard also belonged to the Jefferson County Quarter Horse Association, where he helped to organize and host events such as reining and halter shows. He is a lifelong member of the American Angus Association.

Today, Richard enjoys working in his yard and tending to his garden. He is deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Texas Rice Festival Pioneer Farmer of the Year.