Earl Edward Jackson

Earl Edward Jackson, 94 of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in his home on July 29, surrounded by his beloved family. Earl leaves behind his wife of 74 years, Mina Lou (Moore) Jackson, all his five children Beverly Johnson (partner Bruce Sproull), Barbara Jackson (husband Brendan Vaughan), Becky Jackson, Bruce Jackson (fiancé Jill Klein) and Brenda Koehler (husband Scott Koehler); 8 grandchildren: Jeremy (Dara), Courtney (Matt), Kyle (Jane), Jackson (Valerie), Nathaniel, Kaitlyn, Bridgette, and Samuel; 8 great grandchildren all of whom brought Lou and Earl much joy: William, Julia, Issac, Norah, Quinn, Colin, Matilda and Maxine; sister Jeannette Jackson Thompson. Earl leaves behind many cherished family members, all of whom, we hope you know who you are, as well as countless friends that he met on travels.

Earl was born in Vandalia, Missouri in 1927 to Emmett and Hattie Jackson. His older brother Robert pre-deceased him some twenty years ago but was never far from his heart. Earl met beautiful Mina Lou Moore at the age of 18 and they were married shortly after he finished his military service. Earl was unfailingly proud of the honor to serve his country.

While Earl and Lou called themselves farm kids from Missouri, they made the world their home, living first in Nevada, then on to Venezuela for 14 years, Brazil, Sierra Leone, and countless other countries until settling in Bethlehem nearly 40 years ago. Earl worked for Bethlehem Steel for 50 years. By making their home in Bethlehem, and particularly with the East Hills Moravian Church, Earl and Lou and their family felt as if they had a true home and a family of friends in the church with whom they laughed, traveled with, shared stories, debated, and were lifelong friends.

Earl always said he wanted his obituary to be short so as not to be boring, but his life was long and full of many adventures, riches of the mind, and stories. Those who knew him will know that and appreciate it. He was a remarkable man with an astute memory even at aged 94 for all things: poetry, politics, geography, world events, and people. He could recite a poem at the drop of a hat, tell you which rural route to take the most scenic drive, his kids believed he could fix whatever was broken and his advice of never giving advice unless asked served his entire family well.

His family wants to thank the dedicated care of the Lehigh Valley Hospice Center for the wonderful, tender, and gracious care given during these last six months. We also want to thank our amazing caregivers who have become family and who have served both Earl and Lou sometimes better than any daughter or son. Thank you.

Services: A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 3:00 PM at East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Rd, Bethlehem, PA where relatives and friends can call from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. 

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Earl to his church.