William Sheldon Jackson

William Sheldon Jackson, 98, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed into the presence of Jesus Thursday April 20. Born in Birmingham Alabama on June 30, 1924, he grew up in Akron Ohio. Sheldon was a graduate of Ellet High School and Michigan State University. He was a World War II veteran serving in the navy as a signalman in the Pacific. As a young boy, Sheldon participated in the first Soap Box Derby and then several more in Akron. Sheldon was married to Mary Jane Miller for 67 years. Together ‘Shel and Janey’ raised three girls: Becky Penn (Mark), Dee Luppold (Glenn), and Deb Searles (Cal). Sheldon was a grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of eleven. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ila Lincicome of Akron Ohio. He was proceeded in death by his sister Barbie Jackson and son- in-law Dana Haynes. The family resided near Carroll, Ohio on a small family farm they named “Sycamore Knoll.” It was there they enjoyed gardening, making apple cider, raising horses, and enjoying gatherings under the towering sycamore tree in the side yard. Shel was a builder who added porches and rooms on to the house, and even made his own cider press. He also built homemade swings and toys for kids and grandkids. The Jackson family hobby was going on trail rides in the Hocking Hills. Shel was known for his deep faith in God and the Bible. Over the years, he faithfully served in his church as choir director, Sunday school teacher, song leader, outreach and visitation leader, and mentor and helper to many. He helped to start several churches in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area as well as participating in the design and construction of the church buildings. Shel and Mary Jane were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church in Lancaster for many years. While living in Fort Wayne, Sheldon owned and operated Elmhurst Lumber Company. Later, he became sales, and then district manager for Ryder Truck Rental in Columbus, Ohio. Many who knew him well also enjoyed his sense of humor and great jokes. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1900 Marietta Rd, Lancaster. Friends may call Monday April 24, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Private burial will take place at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Hillside Memorial Park in Akron, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church.