John Jackson

John Robert Jackson, 81, of rural West Union, IL passed peacefully into eternity Thursday, August 3, 2017 in the presence of his loving wife Karen and family. He was born February 2, 1936 in York, IL, the son of William & Imogene (Wells) Jackson, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Karen Engles on October 5, 1974, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Barbara & Gary Richards (York, IL); by their three grandchildren, Dr. John Jackson & Allyson Richards(Marshall, IL), Joseph Crawford Richards & Ali McLaughlin (Terre Haute, IN), and Emily E. Richards & Kent Mitchell (Marshall, IL); by his six great-grandchildren, Audrey Banning Richards, Carver Strohm, Ella Richards, Lauren & Erin Richards, Jackson Richards, and a bonus Madie Mitchell; by his brother & sister-in-law, Steve & Wanda Jackson (Vacaville, CA); by his nieces, Vickie & Richard Gomez (Pescadero, CA), Judy & Mike Wood (Vacaville, CA); by his three great nieces and one great nephew all of California; by his in-laws, Jeanette & Jack Yatsko (Terre Haute, IN), Kay & Dean Martin (Marshall, IL), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death and welcomed by son, John Robert Jackson Jr. (Bobby); by his parents; by his several uncles, aunts and cousins, and in-laws Garland & Opal Engles, and sister and brother-in-law, Edith & Junior Black. John was a long-time bulldozer operator for LeRoy Wells; he was also a lifetime farmer, light bulb changer, mouse trap emptier and lousy carpenter. He was an avid deer hunter and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a word creator and fount of wisdom. He always knew how to have a good time with his family and friends. He was known for hosting deer camp every fall. John was a great laugher. You could walk into a place and immediately know he was present just by hearing that laugh. John was a 32nd degree Mason, Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, a member of the York Lodge 313, and on the board of the York Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. Masonic services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. by the West Union Masonic Lodge #313. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7th at the funeral home, with burial following in York Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the York Cemetery. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.