On December 13, 2023 our dear Eldon “Gene” Jackson peacefully passed to our Lord at his home in Lakin, KS, surrounded with his loving family.Gene was born on June 1, 1939 in the small town of Sickles, OK, of Vivian Myrtille Hixon and Clarence Eldon Jackson, the middle child of 5 siblings. After graduating Sickles High school 1957, Gene was inspired to travel and headed West in exploration of work and life in California. Loving the freedom of the open road and exploration, he adventured many unique experiences, from following wheat harvest in the Midwest, working from Canada to Texas, and then on to his military service in the 101st Airborne Battalion Division of the US Army as a parachutist. After his honorable service, Gene made his way back to Oklahoma, establishing his primary profession working within the telephone industry with Southwestern Bell and AT&T in Oklahoma City for over 20 years, as well as founding his own telephone service company for 5 years.
Gene had many passions and hobbies, he was: a quiet man of faith with belief in God and Jesus Christ attending the Lakin Church of Christ, an avid outdoorsman of bass fishing, upland game hunting and most especially a superb, avid golfer (4 Holes in One!), diehard OU football fan and a deep passion for his family including a love for his little dog Sissy.
Gene had a big soft heart, albeit a bit gruff on the outside, all those who knew him grew to know and see his love and genuine openness, always open to embrace and empathize even in difficult times.
Gene is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janelle Jackson, Lakin, KS, and his sister Glenda Lee, Hinton, OK. Gene was a caring Husband, Dad, Granddad and Papa, leaving an ongoing legacy through his children and family: Bradley Jackson, Basel Switzerland; Jill Newkirk, Tempe AZ; Melissa Tolin, Tulsa OK; Stacey Geubelle, Lakin KS; Stephanie Mouse, Wichita KS and Heather Mitchell, Lakin KS including 9 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.In lieu of flowers, the family requests your honorarium on behalf of Gene to the Lakin Men’s Golf Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home P.O. Box 81, Lakin, KS 67860.