Merle L. Jackson

Merle L. Jackson, 86, of Towanda, passed away on November 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, surrounded by his family.

Merle was born July 26, 1937, in Great Falls, Montana to George and Mabel (Osburnsen) Jackson and raised in Stanford, MT. He attended Gonzaga University where he met his wife, Grace Ford.  They were married June 27, 1959.

Surviving are their five children: Melissa "Lisa" Matheny (Tom Blan), Michelle Stauffer, Daniel (Jamie) Jackson, Kurt Jackson, and Glenn (Cecelia) Shaffer; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one grandchild.

Merle relocated to Illinois to work as a mechanical engineer for General Electric, and later, for State Farm until his retirement. He was a free spirit who enjoyed riding motorcycles and flying model airplanes. Merle was a devoted Catholic, husband, and father who enjoyed spending time with family and volunteering.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 on December 9, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lexington followed by a funeral mass at 11:30. Cremation has been accorded.  Ruestman-Harris funeral home in El Paso is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Challenger Learning Center or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.