Frederick "Fred" Jackson

Fred Jackson, 90, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at The Heritage Center in Evansville, Indiana, with family by his side.

He was born July 20, 1927, the only child of Lewis and Ruby (Kirkpatrick) Jones.  Fred attended a one room school house and graduated high school at the age of 16.   He also received his pilot’s license at that age.  After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Indiana obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Geology.  Fred moved to Mt. Carmel to work for George and Wrather Oil Company as a geologist in the early 1950’s.  Fred married Olivia Mains at the Methodist Church in Mt. Carmel on February 14, 1953.  In 1961, Fred became owner/operator of Jackson Oil Corporation, working there for 57 years. 

Fred was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Mt. Carmel.  He was a Shriner, Mason of Masonic Lodge 239 and was a member of Elks BPOE 715 in Mt. Carmel.  Fred loved his family and was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that called him “grandpa.”   He also enjoyed the time he spent with his dog “Jazzy.”

Left to cherish Fred’s memory are his children, Julie Fearheiley and her husband John of Mt. Carmel, Jana Williamson and her husband Tom of Mahomet, Illinois, Jeff Jackson and Leah Hedge of Mt. Carmel, and Joe Jackson and his wife Julie of Floresville, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, Amanda (Dan) Fawell, Emma Jackson, Dustin Stokes, Matthew Stokes, Cory (Candy) Richmond, Collin (Hanna) Richmond, Brooke (Jarin) Wilsey, Guy (Anna) Williamson, Grant Fearheiley, Emily Fearheiley, Hannah (Christian) Fearheiley, Victoria Kuzmich, Tracy (Clarissa) Kuzmich and Nate Jackson; thirteen great-grandchildren; and Jazzy Jackson his faithful dog companion.   

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant son and infant daughter.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 8, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.  Masonic services will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service for Fred will be Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home with visitation prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Burial service will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 1827 College Drive, Mt. Carmel.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Mt. Carmel Masonic Lodge 259 or Wabash County Shelter Buddies.  Envelopes will be available at Short Funeral Home or can be mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 397, Mt. Carmel, Illinois  62863.

The Jackson family sends a heartfelt thank you to his many wonderful caregivers throughout the years—especially Laura, Jackie and Linda.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Fred’s family.

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