Robert Jackson

1934 - 2022

Robert Jackson
Robert Leland Jackson, son of John L. and Marie (Leis) Jackson was born on January 31, 1934, in rural Clare County, Michigan. The family moved to Midland when Bob was five where he skipped first grade, progressed through school, and graduated from Midland High School in 1951. At the age of seventeen Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he earned his Sergeant stripes and was deployed to South Korea as a radio operator and electronics repair man. Upon return home, he married Patricia Ann Pope on June 8, 1954, a wedded bliss that continued for over 68 years until his passing.
Bob's vocation was in the telephone business as he worked for the various iterations of Michigan Bell Telephone for 41 years until retirement in 1995. Bob always carried a sense of civic duty, taking leadership positions in the Communication Workers of America, the American Legion, his bowling league, his church, and his golf league. Bob was a founding member of Our Savior Lutheran Church where his diplomacy helped fend off two insurrections within the congregation such that the church continued to thrive. His most notable service was to the Mid-Michigan Medical Center where he organized the popcorn service for many years, was elected president of the volunteer association, and was twice chosen as a "Star" volunteer of the year.
Bob is survived by his bride Pat, son Timothy (Patricia) of Saint Johns Michigan, daughter Shelby Thompson of Midland, grandchildren Nicholas (Margaret) Jackson, Benjamin (Sabrina Zarza) Jackson, Matthew (Haley) Thompson and Megan Thompson. Bob was fortunate to meet his only great-grandchild, Lena Thompson, shortly before his passing. Bob survived all of his siblings, with brothers James, John, and Gilbert Jackson as well as sister Joyce Schneider having preceded him in passing.
Bob's family attended a private commitment ceremony at Midland City Cemetery. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Midland American Legion Post #165, 5111 Hedgewood Drive, Midland. All who loved Bob are invited to attend. The staff of Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home is providing service to the family, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Midland, 1501 N. Saginaw Road, Midland, MI 48640 or a charity of one's choice.