Dennis Michael Jackson

Dennis Michael Jackson

August 31, 1950 - July 11, 2024

Dennis was born the youngest of three children to his parents Huber Keith Jackson and Amy Molloy on August 31, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky. After moving from Kentucky, Dennis grew up in Southport, Indiana. While in school, he began working for The Millers as a fry cook at the carnival in 1965. After he started working, he never looked back. He envisioned his future and wasn't afraid of the hard work that would be needed to make those dreams reality. Dennis graduated from Southport High School in 1968, and he eventually enlisted in the US Navy in 1969. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and served as a driver of the motor pool. It seemed like a position made specifically for Dennis because once his primary duty of driving the big rigs around was completed, he was able to kick back, drink beer, and play golf. While he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Dennis discovered and fell in love with Chinese food. After leaving the US Navy in 1972, Dennis began working as a fry cook with The Millers again; it was clear that the carnival was in him. This is where Dennis's infamous recipe for made-from-scratch corn dogs began taking shape! Dennis left the carnival in 1978 and began working at Ransburg. He stayed at Ransburg for 20+ years until his retirement.

Dennis met the absolute love of his life, making Chinese food his second love, in 1978 when he was introduced to Ms. Brenda Paulette Risinger. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on September 30, 1978. They started their life together living in the Fountain Square area. In September of 1979, they were blessed with Breana Michele. Dayna Rochele completed the family in August of 1981. Dennis and Brenda eventually grew roots in Brownsburg where they raised their daughters. Dennis was an amazing father, always providing for his family and doing whatever was needed to keep ALL his girls happy. If you asked him, he'd tell you that his marriage and his daughters were his greatest accomplishments.

After retirement, Dennis settled down and adjusted well to the slower paced life. Dennis truly was a content man, living a simple life with Brenda after having given both of their daughters away in marriage. Dennis and Brenda were proud of the marriage example they set when both Breana (married to Jason Love) and Dayna (married to Ty Cook) married their true loves and thrived in their married lives. Through the girls, Dennis and Brenda were blessed with a total of 10 grandchildren (Bailey, Jalynn, and Jocie Love; Owen and Katie Williams; Kara, Tori {Patrick Ward}, Raegan, and Zack Cook) and several grand dogs . Dennis spent retired life golfing, fishing, birdwatching, perfecting his corn dog recipe, and being involved in every possible activity that his grandchildren participated in. Many knew Dennis as something other than Dennis, maybe Denny, Bubba, Papa, because he didn't know a stranger. To say Dennis lived a good life would be an understatement. Dennis lived in the moment of every single day, living his absolute best life!

Dennis is survived by his wife Brenda Jackson, his daughters Breana (Jason) Love and Dayna (Ty Cook) Jackson, their daughters' families, his brother Brian Jackson, and multiple nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Huber Keith Jackson and Amy Molloy, and his sister Sheila Imel.

If you feel inclined to donate to a cause very near and dear to the family, please do so to Fresenius Kidney Care in Noblesville Breana Love (PO Box 113; Pittsboro, IN 46167).