Cleo V. Jackson

Graveside services with military honors for Cleo V. Jackson, 95, of Lufkin will be held Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park with Dr. Jerome Brimmage officiating. A Memorial Service will follow at PineCrest Retirement Community Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Cleo was born February 23, 1922 in Ft. Worth, Texas to the late Nona (Cook) and Edgar Jackson, and died Sunday, June 11, 2017 in Lufkin.

Cleo was the seventh of eight children growing up during the Depression years and helping his family survive these tough times. He learned the construction business from his dad, who was a roofing contractor. He graduated from Paschal High School in Ft. Worth in 1940, where he met the love of his life, Frances Jackson. Cleo was working in San Diego, CA, when he learned of the Pearl Harbor attack. He came back to Texas, joined the Marine Corps and spent four years in the Pacific Theater serving with the Second Marine Division during the battles for Guadalcanal and Saipan.

The correspondence between Cleo and Frances during these four years was the cornerstone of their relationship, which lasted through 64 years of marriage. They married on the Marine Corps birthday, November 10, 1945, and eventually moved to Houston. Cleo joined Frances’ uncle in the residential construction business. Frances and Cleo had one daughter, Cynthia Ann, in 1951. Cleo worked in real estate, becoming a Certified Appraiser and eventually retired from Bank of The Southwest in Houston as a Trust Officer.

Cleo and Frances had a wonderful life, enjoying playing golf, dancing and traveling together. They loved each other and Cindy unconditionally and were happy and content. They served as caregivers for members of both of their families and demonstrated their faith in their actions to others. Cleo lovingly and unselfishly took care of Frances during an illness that comprised the last 10 years of her life.

For the seven years since her death in 2010, Cleo enjoyed activities and travel with his daughter and son-in-law and was an avid supporter of the Houston Astros.

Cleo is survived by his beloved daughter, Cindy Taylor and his favorite son-in-law Mike Taylor, sister–in-law, Evelyn Burklow, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his seven siblings, and wife, Frances.

The family wishes to express deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of MRC PineCrest Retirement Community, particularly to all the staff at George Henderson Center for their loving care of Cleo. Also, special thanks to Dr. Michael Huber, who served as Cleo’s physician during his 15 years in Lufkin.

Contributions in Cleo’s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 805 E. Denman Avenue, Lufkin, TX, 75901, LOVE, INC, 113 W. Jackson Avenue, Lufkin, TX, 75904, or CISC, 501 S. Angelina St., Lufkin, TX, 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.