LTC Retired Elbert J.W. Jackson

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Elbert was born in Opal, Arkansas on October 24th, 1932 to John W. and Lula Jackson. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and spent time at Fort Gordon, Fort Hood, and Fort Huachuca as a member of the Signal Corps as a radio operator. Elbert married Anna Hagins on March 2nd, 1956 in Hamlin, Texas. Later, Elbert joined the Texas State Guard rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was an enthusiastic Amateur Radio Operator and a member of the Key City Amateur Radio Club and the Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS). A Master Mason, Elbert was Past Master of John Sayles Lodge and Hilton Lodge and a member of Abilene Lodge; he was a member of the Abilene Shrine Club, Abilene Consistory, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, and past commander of the Heroes of 76 and President of the Lone Star Chapter National Sojourners. Elbert was a longtime member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. A longtime resident of Abilene, Elbert grew up on the high plains of Texas in the farming community of McAdoo. He was a cotton farmer in Spur, Texas before moving to Abilene where he drove a semi-truck for Gibson's Discount Stores for fifteen years. After a time as the distribution manager for Abilene Ice Company, Elbert spent his last working years as a maintenance technician for Hendrick Hospital (now Hendrick Medical Center). He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Elbert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred Cornelius and Irene Faubus; and spouse, Anna Lou Hagins Jackson.

Survivors include his children, LTC (R) David Jackson and wife, Judy, of Bulverde, Texas, Kathy Cox of Abilene, Susie Robertson and husband, Curtis, of Abilene, and John W. Jackson and wife, Laura, of Granbury, Texas; grandchildren, Beth Cox, Melissa Williams, Cassie Cox, First Lieutenant John A. Jackson, PFC Tom Jackson, Brandon Price, and Cyndi Jackson; great-grandson, Kamden Williams; nephew, John Faubus of Lubbock, Texas; niece, Linda Williams of Idalou, Texas; and special friend, Darlene Sims of Winters, Texas.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and nurses of the CCU at Hendrick Medical Center for their compassionate care and devotion to our father.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 12672 Silicon Drive, Suite 105, San Antonio, Texas 78249.