Jackie Arlen Scott

Our father died on Feb. 2, 2009. Jackie Arlen Scott, born on March 14, 1934, to Carmel Marshall Scott and Ada Lenora Thompson Scott, Freetown, succumbed to complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Dad died in the comfort of his home, tended by Mom, Buelah Louise Meyer Scott, and surrounded by all who loved him.
While driving her 1952 Studebaker, Dad met and eventually fell in love with Mom. They married during September of 1955, had three children, Jacqueline Arlene Scott, Seymour, Jill Ann Scott Murphy, Cincinnati and Jeffrey Alan (Bianca) Scott, Carmel and two grandchildren, Mark Joseph (Jessica) Murray, Indianapolis and Nicole Marie Scott, Carmel.
He was employed at Cummins Engine Company in Seymour as an assembler. Jack retired in 1995 after 30 years of service. He was also a member of the Diesel Workers Union-Independent.
Dad loved his family, the Chicago Cubs, Louisville Cardinals, traveling with family and Freetown. Dad raised us with an iron hand; yet, none of us wavered from our sense of love, loyalty and respect for him. Mom and Dad sacrificed their own personal needs and wants to fulfill their biggest dream of all, for all of their children to receive college diplomas. Much to Dad's dismay, all of our degrees came from Indiana University.
Dad touched many lives throughout his lifetime. He was involved at the onset of the conservation movement. He was one of the forces behind the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, as well as a past president of the Jackson County Wildlife, Fish and Game Club. He umpired Indiana High School Athletic Association baseball for 10 years. He also coached and umpired youth baseball in Seymour. He was a past president of the Jackson County Genealogical Society for many years. He taught us to respect our elders and authority, and by his example, to give back to society. He instilled a sense of duty and pride in our country in us from infancy.
We want to thank all who visited Dad during his illness, including, but not limited to our cousins; Kim (Chris) Hirtzel, Seymour and Bill Scott, Arizona; along with aunts, Donna Scott, Seymour and Helen Meyer Sutton, Florida; Dad's cousin, Charles Scott, Florida; our neighbors, friends and Freetown folk who took time out of their lives to give Dad some time. We will be eternally grateful. We will never forget what it meant to Dad and to us, for those who gave their time to a dying man and we hope to pay it forward.
We were surprised and thankful for Jennings County Hospice, angels of mercy and God's hand extended. Words will never express our feeling of gratitude for their efforts.
To the Freetown senior citizens, Dad loved all of you and looked forward to the monthly visits. You were his connection to his past and he loved every moment. Thank you to the Freetown Restoration Committee for the restoration of the Freetown gym and for keeping the past alive.
Dad's mom was taken away from him when he was 16. He has longed for her ever since. Although we are heartbroken, we have a sense of peace at the thought that he will get to be with her again as well as see his father, sister, Rosemary and brother, Chuck.
In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following would help to benefit those for the future: Jennings County Hospice, Freetown Senior Citizens and Rockford United Methodist Church.
Dad touched many lives, some that we will never know. He knew no strangers and maintained his sense of humor until the end.
The Rev. Rosa Harris will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Saturday, at Burkholder Funeral Chapel, Seymour. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery, Seymour.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.