Dean Millard Jackson

FIRST, JACKSON, GOLDNER, BLUNCK, STOUT, BOLES, MOONEY, GODBOLD, SWERSIE

Posted By: Richard Jackson (email)
Date: 11/28/2021 at 19:21:46

Dean Millard JACKSON

Dean Millard JACKSON was born November 7, 1919 to Millard Fillmore JACKSON and Alice Jeanette (FIRST) JACKSON. He was a lifelong resident of Ringgold county, Iowa in Kellerton and Mount Ayr. Dean graduated from Kellerton high school in 1936. On June 1, 1941, he married Ruby Rosalee GOLDNER in Maryville, Missouri. Dean and Ruby were married for 40 years. They had five children. Ruby died in 1981.

On September 10, 1942, Dean was inducted into the Army serving as one of the Merrill's Marauders in Burma during World War II. In one incident they were rescued from behind enemy lines on Easter Sunday, 1944, surviving two weeks with only one canteen of water each.

During his lifetime, Dean served on the Grand Valley Community school board, Hawkeye Bank and Trust board, Ringgold County Hospital board, a 50-plus year member of Topaz Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star, Lions Club and many others. He farmed north of Kellerton for 40 years and successfully sold Harvestores for 11 years. He was awarded many sales and agricultural honors.

Dean married Esther BLUNCK on October 19, 1984 in Kellerton and they resided in Mount Ayr for the last 11 years. Dean thoroughly enjoyed gardening, yard work and walking in Mount Ayr.

He is survived by his wife Esther of Mount Ayr; his children: Dick and Camille JACKSON of Kellerton, Joy and Alan STOUT of Newton, Iowa, June and Bob BOLES of Jackson, Minnesota, Donna and Dave MOONEY of Marion, Iowa and Larry BLUNCK of Mount Ayr; his grandchildren: Racinda and Dave GODBOLD of Windsor, Colorado, Jeff STOUT of Denver, Colorado, Randy JACKSON of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Jenny and Gabe SWERSIE of Orange City, Iowa, Crystal BOLES of Lubbock, Texas, Jonathan STOUT of Newton, Alex BOLES of Jackson, Minnesota, Denise MOONEY of Marion and his great-granddaughter Abigail SWERSIE of Orange City. He is also survived by a sister Ruth and Jim Turner of Wichita, Kansas; brother Herbert and Vivian JACKSON of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Alice JACKSON; his wife Ruby; twin son Donald; grandson Aaron BOLES; and great-grandson Joshua SWERSIE.

Services were held Friday, April 28, 2000 at the United Methodist Church in Kellerton with Pastor Rick HAWKINS officiating. Louise MEADOWS was the organist. Casket bearers were Racinda GODBOLD, Jeff STOUT, Jennifer SWERSIE, Crystal BOLES, Randy JACKSON, Jonathan STOUT, Alex BOLES and Denise MOONEY. Honorary pallbearers were Leroy BLESSMAN, Ralph JOHNSON, Glen SISSELL, Nick CAMPBELL, Jim OVERHOLSER, Kenneth JOHNSON and Kenneth DRIFTMIER.

Dean was laid to rest in the Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton. Military graveside rites were conducted by Kellerton Post #676 American Legion.

From his experience in the service, Dean always was very thankful for all the many extra years he was able to enjoy. He dearly loved his family and really enjoyed his many friends. He was a wonderful example of what a father and loved one should be. Dean died April 25, 2000.

He may have been rescued Easter Sunday, 1944, but has been air lifted to a greater freedom at Eastertime, 2000. Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.