Friday, September 18, 2020

Bill Jackson


(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

William E “Bill” Jackson passed on the late evening of Sept 14th at the Mt. Vernon Veterans Home. He was 99 years and 23 days old. He was predeceased by his wife Freda Jackson (Brown) and son Bruce of Beebe, Arkansas.

He is survived by his son John and Grandchildren Heather Rosenberg of Wichita and Phillip Jackson (Destiny Jackson) of Beebe, Arkansas. Six Great Grand Children Shann Hess (Ashley Hess) of Wichita, Shastayn Victorya Sigley of Wichita, Michael JP Triana USAF-Japan, Nicklyss Triana of Wichita, Josie Jackson and Jude Jackson of Beebe, Arkansas, three Great Great Grandchildren. Alana Sigley, Luke Hess and Grace Hess all of Wichita.

Bill was an avid Webb City Football fan and was the longest surviving team member. He enjoyed riding on the team bus to games and being down on the field even at the Dome in Saint Louis for the State Championship games. His number was #25.






 

He served in the Coast Guard during WWII and in the Navy during the Korean War. Being an expert marksman, he was in charge of firing one of the large guns on ship into caves in North Korea. Just out of high school he played drums in a Big Band orchestra with his best friend Gene Woods (on bass) across the Joplin area. They were very popular and frequently played on top of the Connor Hotel and at the Holiday Inn where the owner bought them all tuxedos to play in.

He retired from Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas after 20 years. He was a founding member of a church in Wichita and when they moved to Webb City a founder of a church in Joplin. He was a board member of the Webb City Senior Citizens Center and for a time ran a jewelry store in downtown Webb City. He worked in a custom jewelry makers store in Neosho before moving back to Webb City after the owners death. He continued his watchmaking/repair business from home until about 2 years ago.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020 in the chapel of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri with Pastor Jeff Jones officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Stone Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. 

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.

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