Lt. Col. Jerry D. Jackson USAF Retired Jerry Jackson left this life unexpectedly to be with our Lord on March 2, 2018, due to complications during surgery. Jerry was born in Merit, Texas to E.D. and Willie M. Jackson. He graduated from Farmersville H.S. in 1951, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from East Texas State University in 1956 and a Master’s Degree in Education from Troy State University. Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Fan Johnson, September 15, 1956. He entered the Air Force as a Lieutenant in January 1957, serving 26 honorable years. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He retired in January 1983 as the Vice Commander of the Prep School at the Air Force Academy. He went on to teach college classes and eventually retired from IBM and Lockheed Martin. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Fan; daughters: Debbie (Tony) Inman, and Tami (Bob) Lyon; sons: Robert (Christi) Jackson, and Richard (Mary Jo) Jackson; grandchildren: Taylor and Kaylee Inman, Jesse Lyon, Joshua Jackson, and Riley Jackson; four great grandchildren: Kylie, Gunner, Kelton, and Finnegan Lyon. He was preceded in death by his parents E.D. and Willie Jackson; sister, Alice Jackson Johnson; and grandson, Kyle Lyon. Jerry loved and cherished his family as well as his devout Christian faith. He enjoyed boating, fishing, woodworking, coaching and watching football, and being with his friends. He will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of life visitation will be from 5pm-7pm Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard.