Donald Lloyd Jacobson
Donald Lloyd Jacobson
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On April 20, 1945, in Junction City, Kansas, Luther Arthur and Thelma Alice (Stansbury) Jacobson, welcomed their first child. Born with an inquisitive mind and a quiet, steady presence, Donald graduated from Abilene High School in 1963. He attended the University of Kansas from 1963–1964, continued his education at Bethany College from 1964–1966, and returned to the University of Kansas from 1966–1967. It was during this time that he met Trudy Wentz, and the two were married in Lawrence, Kansas in 1967, and to this union two sons were born.
In January 1968, Donald was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (the legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-1970. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.
After returning home and being honorably discharged, Donald embarked on a distinguished career with the FAA as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. His work took him to locations such as Olathe, KS; Chadron, NE; Vichy, MO; Kansas City, MO; and Columbia, MO. For 37 years, he kept the skies safe before retiring and enjoying a quieter pace of life.
Donald was a man of many interests and quiet passions. A talented athlete, he played tennis throughout high school and college. His greatest joy, however, was found on the water. A dedicated bass fisherman, he spent countless hours on his boat, often accompanied by his fishing buddy, Bill Brumbaugh. Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Mark Twain Lake were his sanctuaries, and his skill earned him the title of Angler of the Year. His secret? The right lure and the quiet "hidey holes" tucked away in the shallows.
Known for his curiosity, Donald had a lifelong fascination with technology and gadgets. He loved to take things apart, understand their inner workings, and put them back together-often passing these treasures down to his sons.
Donald was a man of few words but his thoughts ran deep. His dry, sarcastic humor and quiet charm made him unforgettable to those who truly knew him. He loved cats, Mexican food, good BBQ, and in his later years, could often be found debating the latest conspiracy theories with a glint of amusement in his eye.
To know Donald was to appreciate a man who valued stillness, loyalty, and the simple joys in life. He leaves behind a legacy of service, curiosity, and love that will be cherished forever.
Survivors include his two sons, Aaron Jacobson (Roberta) of Lohman, MO, Eric Jacobson of San Diego, CA; two granddaughters, Hannah Heckman (Jordan), Hailey Schneider (Eric); three great grandchildren, August "Auggie", Clark, and Aspyn; one sister, Julie Briscoe; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 9:30 am until 10:30 am, Friday, August 1, 2025.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 am, Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Freeman Chapel with Dr. Brian K. Credille officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Jacksonville, 1479 County Rd 1675, Jacksonville, MO 65260.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 10:30 am, for friends that are not able to attend by coming to this memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to 11th ACVVC Scholarship Fund, c/o Ollie Pickral, 571 Ditchley Road, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Blandin Karabinos
August 8, 2025
Aaron and Eric, please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Your father was a dedicated and hard-charging warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served courageously with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment with Headquarters Troop. Donald will be remembered as an honorable trooper whose very presence brought comfort and support to his fellow troopers. He will be included on the Honor Role of our combat veterans as his service highlighted his bravery and valor and was guided with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. As grateful Americans we should all pause and salute a man who was willing to put his life on the line for his country. As our burial liturgy states: " ... his life has not ended, merely changed ..." and as we were together then in Vietnam, we will be together again in the life hereafter, warmly embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Chaplain Bill, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)
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Chaplain Bill Karabinos
August 8, 2025
Aaron and Eric, please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Your father was a dedicated and hard-charging warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served courageously with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment with Headquarters Troop of the 3rd Squadron. Donald will be remembered as an honorable trooper whose very presence brought comfort and support to his fellow troopers. He will be included on the Honor Role of our combat veterans as his service highlighted his bravery and valor and was guided with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. As grateful Americans we should all pause and salute a man who was willing to put his life on the line for his country. As our burial liturgy states: " ... his life has not ended, merely changed ..." and as we were together then in Vietnam, we will be together again in the life hereafter, warmly embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Chaplain Bill, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)
Jim and Cathy Wheeler
July 31, 2025
Rest in Peace, Don.
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