Gayle A. Jackson

Gayle Jackson, age 73, passed away May 10, 2010 in Idaho Springs. He was born in the small town of Edgar, Nebraska, on January 30, 1937, the first child of Nolan Glen and Mary Lucile (Dunken) Jackson. His parents met in Nebraska where they began their life together farming. Nolan later went to work for the Post Office.

Gayle grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa with his brother Don Jackson and Sisters JoAnn Ellerbrock and Linda Childears. The family moved to Denver in 1955. Gayle graduated from West High School in Denver. He attended the University of Denver and later joined the Army Reserves. After the military, Gayle began working in the Post Office, a career that spanned 37 years.

He married Susan Stewart June 7, 1964 in Sharon Springs, Kansas and the couple was married for 23 years. He was the father of David Arthur Jackson (Kelly) and Matthew Paul Jackson (Michelle) and the grandfather of Ella Josephine age 4 ½, Emma Rose age 2 ½, and Emily Ann Jackson age 9 months. David married his wife Kelly seven months ago; this was a joyous occasion for Gayle. Matthew married Michelle in February 09 were he was on time for the first time in his life. Gayle was very proud of both his sons, and loved to spoil the granddaughters.

Gayle took a break from the Post Office in 1964 and went back to Colorado State University to become a teacher. He graduated magna cum laude (or you could say "with highest honors") from Colorado State University in 1968 with a degree in industrial arts education. He attended graduate school at CSU to study computer programming for one year where he was also a teaching assistant. He then worked for CSU in their computer programming department where he wrote a program to keep track of the university’s finances. The program he wrote was used by the college with no changes for 10 years or more. After a short time teaching, he realized that he missed the Post Office and returned there. He loved his job and his customers loved him, but Gayle had a clear plan to retire.

Retirement gave him more time for his hobbies. He had a lifelong passion for airplanes, and for building and flying models. The airplanes became more sophisticated over time. Gayle had many rich friendships with other airplane enthusiasts. He became the photographer for the airplane club and really enjoyed digital photography.

Gayle also loved his dogs, Penny and Ginger (both deceased) and Gidget and Maggie who are still with us. The dogs were a great source of joy and companionship for Gayle.

He will be buried at Hampden Cemetery near his parents.

Gayle Jackson was a man with a raspy voice, a friendly smile and a big heart. He never met a stranger, or was ever without a sun hat!! He was a very happy and content person who lived by his own standards, not those imposed by others. Gayle was excited about life, his kids, and his hobbies. He will be missed by family and countless friends.

Memorial Gifts “in Memory of Gayle Jackson” can be made to:

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Denver Dumb Friends League

7711 East Academy Boulevard #1 2080 South Quebec Street

Denver, Colorado 80230 Denver, Colorado 80231

303-360-5360 303-751-5772

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, Denver, CO.