Thomas E. “Tommy” Jackson, 56, of DeGraff, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 4:40 a.m. at the Veterans Medical Center in Dayton.
He was born in Bellefontaine on July 11, 1949, and was the son of John L. and Mary Ruth Jackson of DeGraff, who both survive.
Growing up on the family farm, he enjoyed nature and showing livestock at the local fair as well as at state and national shows. Being a member of 4-H and FFA, he always wanted what was best for the youth. He also enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening.
He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He served in the elite forces such as the Green Beret and the Military Police, being honorably discharged with the rank of E-4. He was decorated with such honors as Marksman, Rifle Sharpshooter, Army Recon, as well as earning a Purple Heart for his valor in serving in war.
After his tour of duty, Tommy returned to his passion for livestock. He was herdsman for the third largest beef farm the U.S. and then moved on to become herdsman on one of the elite dairy farms in Ohio.
His passion also was for the railroad, as he started a career with Penn Central Railroad and retired from Conrail. During his truck driving years, Tommy developed a love for the open road and the people he met.
He was lifelong member of Gretna Brethren Church as well as a member of the American Legion, Corvette Club and the state and national Holstein Associations.
He also enjoyed spending time at the local restaurants, drinking coffee with his many friends. Tommy cherished the relationships with close family and friends.
Along with his parents, he is survived by a special friend, Jan Bolinger; daughter, Tonya Sue (Doug) Haag of Monroe; two sons, Shawn (Missy) Amverse of Troy and Christian Roll of Bellefontaine; a sister, Kathy (Dale) Brown of Maplewood; a brother, Sam (Brenda) Jackson of Lewistown; grandchildren, Marco and McKenzie Anverse; nieces, Chelsea (Scott) Baldwin, Michelle (Ley) Sip and Christina Jackson; nephews, Steve Poppe and Bradley Jackson; along with four great-nephews; and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rexer-Riggin- Madden Funeral Home, DeGraff, and also one hour prior the funeral which will be held Saturday at the Gretna Brethren Church at 11 a.m., with Pastor Larry Brown and Pastor Sylvia Hull officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, with full military rites.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the C.E. Scholarship Fund at Gretna Brethren Church, 1564 S. Township Road 46, Bellefontaine 43311.
