Kenneth David Jackson

Kenneth (Ken, Kenny) David Jackson was born February 8, 1958, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 2750th USAF Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, to Gordon Jackson, Sr., and Melveen Jackson.

Born into a military family, Kenneth lived all over the United States as a child, including during a memorable stint in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964.

Kenneth lived much of his early years with the Jackson family, first in Big Spring, Texas, then in Sherman, Texas, and finally in Denison, Texas, through his teenage years. He briefly played football at Terrell Middle School (Denison) before a serious injury forced an all-too-early retirement. However, active with the Denison Boys Club, he developed into a solid basketball player.

Kenny moved back to Big Spring, Texas, with his family and graduated from Big Spring High School with the Class of 1976. He immediately moved to Greenville, Texas, and began his career at E-Systems (now Raytheon). While working, he attended East Texas State University (now Texas A & M University – Commerce) and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering. With a few brief exceptions, he would remain in Texas for the rest of his life.

Kenneth was an avid fan of science fiction, the Dallas Cowboys, and movies that served as cultural touchstones throughout the 1970s and1980s. He could often be heard quoting popular statements and catch phrases from classic films such as Star Trek, Back to the Future, Star Wars, and many other films from this era. He may even have considered himself a "Trekkie."

Perhaps bolstered by his love of science fiction and developing into a deep intellect, Ken greatly enjoyed gadgets and technology. Whether it was building, disassembling, repairing, or (more likely) collecting machinery, Ken was never far from an advanced computer and/or motherboard. This developed into a passion toward building a highly-respected, in-demand, and distinguished 40-year-plus career in IT (Information Technology) Infrastructure and Database Administration. He went on to have a long and very successful career working as a SQL and Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) (contractor/consultant) for companies like AT&T, MCI/Worldcom, Nortel Networks, HP/Ericsson, Securus Technologies (aka T-Netix), Frontier Communications, NICE Systems, University of Texas at Dallas, Army Air Force Exchange, American Airlines, and so on. He was one of the most sought-after DBAs in Texas and the US.

In 1981, Kenneth married Yolandra Rogers, and in 1985, Jonathan was born, followed by Christopher in 1986.

In 1996, Kenneth met his lovely wife Karen-and son Kevin Jones-while they were both working at MCI/Worldcom. They married on September 4, 1999, at the Women's Center in Richardson, Texas. From this union, they welcomed twins Nicholas and David Jackson on May 7, 2000.

In 2007, Kenneth, Karen, Nicholas, and David joined Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, "The Mount", under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Leonard O. Leach. Kenneth was an active and faithful member of the Men's Ministry and two Sunday School classes (David Lyons/Jesse Smutherman (in person) & Gaitor/Hammonds (virtual)). He loved to study the Bible and contributed greatly to the lessons and discussions. He remained a faithful member under the spiritual leadership of Pastor André Kirkland.

Always striving for excellence in his own way, Kenneth often said that he was an observer and chronicler of life, recording and photographing images and scenes as much as he could. He was known to carry hundreds of photographs of his family and would show them off at a moment's notice. He was fascinated by his family history and, under arduous challenges, was successful in tracing his family lineage back to more than a handful of generations.

On January 14, 2026, Kenneth, age 67, passed from this life. Preceding Kenneth in death were his loving parents, Gordon and Melveen of Biloxi, Mississippi. Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and doting wife, Karen Smith Jackson of Garland, Texas, five sons: Kevin Jones, Jonathan Jackson (Helen), Christopher Jackson (Yvonne), Nicholas Jackson, and David Jackson. Seven siblings: Gordon Jackson, Reginald Jackson, Robert Jackson, Connie Jackson, Jackson J. Jackson, Sharise Jackson Harper, and Talia Jackson. Grandchildren: Aurelia Jackson, Rafael Jackson, Kyle Rodriguez, Dakota Rodriguez, and Hailey Rodriguez. He also leaves a whole host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.