Jackson Kenneth Obituary

Kenneth

Jackson Leon

Kenneth

March 18, 1935

September 2, 2021



Kenneth Leon Jackson Age 86

He was a small-town boy from Oklahoma. Born on an oil lease at home, because that is what you did in 1935, to Mabel and Godfrey Jackson. The family already consisted of his brother Charles and his sister Helen. Cliff, the youngest, came along later. At 86, Ken outlived his parents and siblings.



Ken graduated from Bowlegs High School (yes Bowlegs!) in 1952 and then he received a BA in history from Central State College. After completing his degree, Ken was drafted into the army in 1958 and became an A number one lifeguard. While stationed in Virginia, he met his wife Caroline at a pool party, and they went on to celebrate their love for over 60 years. Two lucky children, Keith (1961) and Karen (1963) got to know him intimately and called him Dad. They were his pride and joy. As a family, they golfed, hiked, traveled, and hunted. Ken always had a hunting dog or two by his side-Chili, Cinnamon, Koko, Shatzie, Pepper, and now Gunner.



As Keith (Lahoma) and Karen reached adulthood, they married and Ken was blessed with 5 grandchildren-Justin (Jennifer), Joel (Angela), Kaitlin (Josh), Ethan and Adam. Four great grandchildren were to follow-Luke, Ben, Olivia and Caleb.



In the 60's Ken went on to teach social studies to middle school students in Colorado Springs, CO. After earning a masters in educational administration, he became an assistant principal and then an elementary school principal, where some students even called him "Daddy". He loved it. He finished his years as an educator as principal of Gorman Middle School.



Upon retiring in 1996, Ken and Caroline spent the years traveling over the world. Some were sightseeing trips to Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, while others were dove hunting trips to Uruguay and Argentina, and fishing trips to Canada, Brazil and Peru. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing for walleye at Pueblo Reservoir.



It was a life well lived.



An individualist to the end, Ken wanted not to die but to fade away. He often said if people should ask where he was to just tell them he took a different journey. He always insisted that there be no funeral or memorial service. We will abide by his wishes; however, he will not fade away for he is loved and remembered fondly by family and friends. Cremation has been entrusted to Neptune Society.