Fred Jackson

Fred Edgar Jackson, 93 year-old Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed from this life on Monday, June 10, 2013 at his home.  He was born March 3, 1920 in Kingston, Arkansas to parents, Mary Lucinda “Molly” (Hillard) Jackson and Stilman Edgar “Tom” Jackson. Fred graduated from Strother High School in 1936, where he along with his brother Clinton, was well known for their baseball skills. Following his graduation from high school, Fred entered into the United States Army on December 1, 1941.  He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska when the Japanese bombed the Dutch Harbor.  Everyone assumed this bombing attack was a prelude to the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands and Alaska.  The Alaska Defense Command dispatched the 2nd Battalion (Fred’s unit) to Nome, Alaska as a counter move.  The Japanese re-routed and then invaded Attu and Kiska of the Aleutian Islands.  Since Fred’s demolition squad had no bridges of buildings to blow their work became the removal of land mines, which had been placed by the Japanese.  This was very tricky, not only because of the land mines but also because of booby traps.  By the time of his Honorable Discharge on November 5, 1945, Fred had earned the rank of Sergeant and was a Squad Leader as a demolition expert during World War II.  Fred also earned the American Defense Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal. Returning to civilian life, Fred married Sue West on January 7, 1947 in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Sadly after 56 years of marriage Sue (West) Jackson preceded him in death on August 7, 2003. Fred worked at Black, Sivalls and Bryson Oilfield Supply Company in Oklahoma City for over 25 years.  He then went to work for Dayton Tire Company in Oklahoma City for many years until his retirement in 1985. Fred was a member of the Church of Christ in Little, Oklahoma.  He was also a member of the Seminole American Legion and V.F.W. On June 30, 2004 Fred married his second wife, Wanda Vivare Jackson and she preceded him in death on December 9, 2010. Fred leaves to cherish his memory one son and daughter-in-law, Morris Jackson and his wife Deloris of Seminole, Oklahoma; one daughter and son-in-law, Connie Sue Skinner and her husband Navoy of Wanette, Oklahoma; one step-daughter, Charlotte Stout and her husband Calvin of Seminole, Oklahoma; one brother and sister-in-law, Clinton Jackson and his wife Peggy of Seminole, Oklahoma; one sister and brother-in-law, Juanita Lowe and her husband Winfred of Seminole, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren and a host of other family and dear friends including his nurse Tammy Adkins, Mays Home Health Care and housekeeper Mary Gray. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Sue Jackson, his second wife Wanda V. Jackson, by two sisters, Cleo Bond and Joanna Marquis, and by two brothers, Otto Jackson and Ernest Jackson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the Church of Christ in Little, Oklahoma.  Rusty Dawson will officiate the service.  Interment will follow with military honors at Little Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Mark Jackson, Matt Jackson, David Mizirl, Gregg Coombes, Allan Skinner and Gary Skinner. Honorary Bearers will be Navoy Skinner, Chris Skinner, David Skinner, Josh Skinner and Rufino Carrillo. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: June 13, 2013, 11:00 AM Church of Christ - Little, OK located at Hwy 99 North, Seminole, OK 74868