Donald Ray Jackson

Donald Ray Jackson went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, October 18, 2015. Donald was born March 16, 1938 to Dona (Moore) and Claude Jackson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathern "Kay" June (Raglin), and his five children: Ed Jackson (Cindy) of St. Louis MO, Patti Thurmond of Marion, Bill Jackson (Elizabeth) of Allenspark Colorado, Jennifer McPhail (Jerry) of Marion, and Jeremy Jackson (Shaina) of Marion, and son in heart Wally Thurmond of Jacksonville IL. Donald is also survived by his 18 grandchildren: Spencer Thurmond, Grant Thurmond, JD Jackson (Kendal), Jenna Jackson, Fallon Jackson, Conner Jackson, Sarah Shelton, Josh Shelton, Jackson McPhail, Julian McPhail, Junah McPhail, Josiah McPhail, Jedidiah McPhail, Autumn Hale, Elijah Hale, Ayvrie Jackson, Aleyah Jackson, and Isaiah Jackson; and four great-grandchildren Raegan Cook, Luke Jackson, Lila Jackson, Emma Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother Hobart Cruse. Donald grew up in the same house in Marion where he was married and spent his last day. As a young husband and father, he raced, sold and built motorcycles, as owner of Jackson's BSA Motorcycle Shop. Having been trained as a master-carpenter, he also founded Don's Custom Cabinets and later contracted and practiced home building with Jackson Builders. He and Kay spent his retirement enjoying time with his family and friends. Donald suffered from cancer his last few years, but he tried to keep going strong till his last day. He loved life and tried to live it to the fullest. He was proud to have enjoyed his dream trip with his sons to Colorado and Wyoming last October to see the wild horses run. He saw the best in people and was quick to make friends around town. He cherished his time sharing coffee with family and friends around the kitchen table. He strongly loved His Lord and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 1 pm at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Frankie Starrick officiating.  Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday evening  from 5 – 8 pm at the funeral home.