Ross Jackson

Ross Earl Jackson, 82, of Carmi, passed away at his home on March 15, 2013. He was born Sept. 23, 1930, in Madill, OK, a son of Travis Goldman Jackson and Nancy Martin Jackson. After graduating from Madill, OK High School in 1950, Ross attended Abilene Christian College in Texas where he played football for the Wildcats. Ross served in the Army for four years and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in June 1955. He began working for Warren Petroleum in Oklahoma and was transferred to Crossville, IL in 1955.

Soon after coming to Illinois, he met Emilie Hughes and they were married Nov. 1, 1957. Two daughters were born to them, Kimberly Smith and Jill Spencer. Emilie had a four year old daughter, Teresa Ripley, who became a daughter to Ross, and she has always thought of him as “Daddy.” Ross was Mayor of Crossville in the mid-seventies and served a four year term. He retired from Chevron (formerly Warren Petroleum) in 1983 after 30 years. Not ready to slow down, he began a second career at Evergreen Acres where he was in charge of maintenance for fifteen years.

Ross was always very community-service oriented. He joined the Rotary Club in the 1960’s where he served a term as president. He was an active member until it dissolved, at which time he became involved with the Ruritan Club.

Ross was affiliated with the United Methodist Church. He was a Christian, a good husband, and father. He and Emilie celebrated 55 years of marriage. On his 80th birthday, he celebrated with friends and family at the Crossville Ruritan Club building. His hobby was gardening, and he was known for his beautiful peonies at 801 W. Main St.
He will be greatly missed by many.

Ross is survived by his wife, Emilie; three daughters, Kimberly Smith of Evansville, IN, Jill Spencer (Clint) of Crossville, IL, and Teresa Ripley York (Tom) of Dickson, TN; three grandchildren, Leslie Alton (Ricky) of Evansville, IN, Matthew Smith of Evansville, IN, and Keelie Spencer of Austin, TX; two step-grandchildren, Katie Turman (Michael), and Sarah Beth York, all of Dickson, TN; a great-grandson, Ryder Alton; four step-great-grandchildren, Chelsey Potts, Justice Potts, Mikayla Turman, and Hayden Turman; several nephews and cousins in Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Woody Jackson (June).

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 13, 2013, Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi. Pastor Jon Carroll of Crossville United Methodist Church will officiate. Military burial rites will be provided by the American Legion and VFW Posts of Carmi. Friends and Family are invited to stay after the conclusion of services for a time of remembrance with the family. A private family burial will be held at Stokes Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to MDS Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Red Cross. VNA Plus Hospice were most loving and helpful in caring for Dad. Condolences may be left at www.stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.