Eddie Jackson

Eddie Jackson, 76, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in the presence of those he loved most.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at West 15th Street Church of Christ, 1207 W. 15th Street, Ottawa.

The family will meet with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 14th, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.

Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Eddie was born December 30, 1945, in Aurora, Missouri, the son of Herman and Margaret (Wardlaw) Jackson and grew up in Aurora. Eddie graduated from Aurora High School with the class of 1964 and had remained close to many of his classmates for the 58 years that followed.

On April 12, 1968, Eddie was united in marriage to Judy Clevenger in Aurora, Missouri. Soon after marriage they moved to Lawrence, Kansas and later settled just outside of Ottawa in 1974. It was here that they built their home and family together. Eddie and Judy were happily devoted for over 54 years and the depth of their love was obvious to all that knew them. Eddie would tell you how much joy Judy brought to his life and Judy would tell you Eddie was the light of her whole life. Their unconditional love blessed them with their two children, Tonya and Travis.

Eddie served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 serving in Vietnam.

Eddie held several jobs over his lifetime where he positively impacted all those he encountered. In 1968, he started working at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant in De Soto, Kansas and worked there into the mid-1970’s. During the 70’s he also worked with Clark Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator helping to build the Clinton Lake Dam. Later he joined Farmland Industries in Lawrence, Kansas, and worked as an ammonia plant operator for 25 years until he retired in 2001. After his retirement his passion for classic cars and people led him to deliver auto parts to many local businesses.

Outside of work, Eddie was a beloved member of the West 15th Street Church of Christ and a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 852 of Lawrence. Eddie and Judy enjoyed decades of traveling across the country on their motorcycle along with their dear friends, establishing an annual trip to Cheyanne, Wyoming, for the Frontier Days. He always looked forward to their family gatherings and time with his grandchildren. In that time together, ‘papa’ (as the girls know him) and his girls had many adventures playing outside, riding tractors and tricycles, relaxing on the front porch, eating cookies together and so many other special things that are still held close to their hearts today. Eddie was most notably an antique car enthusiast and collector who enjoyed working on old cars. He was an establishment at the Ottawa car show, not missing a single one in 35 years. Throughout the years he restored and built several unique classic cars including his Grandad’s ’66 Biscayne and a ’57 four door topless that quickly became the foundation of many family memories, most especially for his three girls.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy; his two children and their spouses, Tonya & Trey Turnbaugh of Pomona, and Travis Jackson & Marshall Sims of Normandy Park, Washington; his brother and wife Curtis & Sandy Jackson of Mexico, Missouri; three grandchildren and their families, Sydnie & Cole Sheldon of Princeton, Amber & Ethan Wells of Quenemo, and Mayci Turnbaugh and Konrad Stein of Manhattan; and three great grandchildren, Jackson, Halle and Sage.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Vietnam Veterans of America or the West 15th Street Church of Christ c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.