Allan "Al" Jackman

Al was born in Inglewood, California on November 30th, 1942. Al, who went by “Ray” before entering the military, graduated from Westchester High School. Al received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Southern California and a Master’s of Science Degree from Gonzaga University.

Al began his military career in the U. S. Navy Reserve in 1962 for three years before entering the United States Air Force Officer Training School. Al graduated from pilot training in 1967. Al flew B-52’s during most of his career, as well as the 0-1G Bird Dog as a Forward Air Controller during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. Al continued flying until 1980, when he became the Chief of the Flight Safety Division at Tinker Air Force Base, a position he held until his retirement in 1985. Al attained the rank of Major during his years of military service. Al was a hero who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and many medals and awards.

After working as a Technical Writer for HEBCO, Inc., Al returned to Tinker Air Force Base as the Safety and Occupational Health Manager/Flight Safety Manager in 1986 until his second retirement in 2006.

Al loved flying — even flight simulation games made him happy. Al also enjoyed OU football, watching war movies, and a wide variety of music.

Al was married twice. His second marriage was to Shirley Jackman on February 18th, 1979, blending their families. Al always signed cards to Shirley with “All my love”, and he meant it every time.

Al and Shirley enjoyed traveling for many years, especially their annual week of R&R at their condo in Lake Hamilton, Arkansas. Al and Shirley also liked watching Fox News, preferably while drinking double chocolate, extra-thick Braum’s milkshakes.

Al was preceded in death by Shirley, who passed away in 2021. Al is survived by his daughters, Wendi Stoken (Wayne) and Tracey Jackman; his step-children, Greg Blankenship (Christie) and Tami Bayless (Erich); and his brother, Richard “Dick” Jackman (Jan), as well as his nephews, Mike Jackman (Shirelle) and Chris Jackman (Brandy), his niece, Laura Christensen (John), and his grandchildren, Alex Stoken, Jessica Weier (Justin), Megan Blankenship, Aubrey Blankenship, Orin Blankenship, and Christopher Bayless.

A private family funeral will be held for Al at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City.