General Jackson "Jack" Wren

Jack was born on October 19, 1931 in Berea, Kentucky to William H. and Lola E. The oldest of

three sons, Jack learned early the lesson of hard work while attending a one-room schoolhouse

in Fairview, Kentucky and helping his father on the farm and in running a sawmill. His passion

and skill for farming and carpentry were cultivated and perfected over the remaining years of

his long life. Shortly after graduating from Berea High School in 1949, Jack served in the United

States Air Force from 1950-1952.

While in the Air Force, Jack met and married the first love of his life, Laura Beth (Meads) Wren and married on November 26, 1952 and started a family. Aided by the care and love of a prayerful wife, Jack

transitioned from a number of business ventures into the life of Pastoral Ministry. He began

pastoring in 1963 at his first church, Hilltop Baptist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky. Jack

graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in 1970.

Countless lives in local congregations throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Texas

were eternally changed through Jack’s ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To those who knew him, knew Jack to be a man of kind eyes and heart but who had a

fierceness for his work. Jack will be remembered as a man with calloused hands that carried

the message of Jesus Christ with gentleness. From growing cattle, crops, and livestock, to being

a published author of books and newspaper columns there were few challenges Jack could not

overcome. As a man who knew and acknowledged his own mistakes, he drew comfort in

knowing and telling others of the greatness of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ.

After the passing of his first wife, Laura Beth, Jack, married the second love of his life, Janice L. (McCracken) on December 26, 2007. They lived and served together in Hearne, Texas and throughout for the remainder of his life. The many anecdotal stories and life lessons he taught and shared will be remembered through the generations of people who were affected by his presence.

Jack was preceded by his first wife, Laura Beth (Meads) Wren, and his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janice L. (McCracken) Wren; his brothers, William R. Wren of Berea, Kentucky and Franklin E. Wren of Sharpsburg, Georgia; and his seven children, William C. Wren (Beth Wren) of Kentucky, Pamela H. Hill (Don) of Kentucky, Edward A. Wren (Sherri) of Texas, Patrick D. Wren (Joy) of Texas, Karen Childress of Kentucky, Amy White (Shawn) of Texas, and Gail Burleson (Philip) of Texas; step-children, Michael L. Bullock (Robin), Leah Anne Jasper (Tony), and Mark T. Bullock (Joy) all of Somerset, Kentucky; Jack leaves the legacy of 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Faith Bible Church in Wixon Valley. Interment will follow at Kurten Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of service at the church.