Edward T. Jackson

Edward T Jackson, 100 years and 320 days, of Ohiopyle passed Thursday April 25, 2024.

He was born June 10, 1923, in Reedsville PA, a son of the late Barton and Alice King Jackson.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded by his love of 79 years (13 dating and 66 married) Ethel, who passed October 8 2023. His daughter Marsha Yurechko, who passed July 24, 2022. Siblings, Barbara, Orville Reed (Betty), Netti June (Harold) Raymond, John (Zelda), Margery “Toots” (Joe) Liston, Faye (Richard) Miller, James and Robin. Ed was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his daughter Tammy Jackson of Ohiopyle, grandchildren Melissa Yurechko of Indianapolis, IN and Matthew Yurechko of Valparaiso, IN, son in law Michael Yurechko and over 125 nieces and nephews, great and great-great.

He retired from Kaiser Refractory as a dragline operator in 1980. His long life can be contributed to his love for Ethel, oatmeal, lots of coffee and work. His work started at the early age of 8 as he rode his favorite horse King to pull stumps and dig the foundation for the Kentuck Union Church. He had many skills and jobs throughout his life, some that took him away like core drilling in the Smoky Mountains. He could never stay away long, his love for home always brought him back.

In March of 43 he was called to serve in WWII. Crossing the ocean, he landed in Casablanca and served on the front lines across Northern Africa until one faithful day an active hand grenade was mistakenly dropped as the soldiers were resting. His quick action of kicking the grenade away from the men saved lives and in appreciation for this deed he was transferred to the port on Anzio beach head in Italy. There he operated a Crain unloading supplies for the troops. The largest gun at the time Anzio Annie continuously tried to stop the efforts and at the war’s end he was proud to be the guy to load that captured gun onto a ship headed to America. In Dec 45 at war’s end, he was asked to move to Alaska and homestead land but declined so he could return home.

Storytelling, beekeeping, woodworking, reading, hunting, fishing, gardening and family filled his life with blessing. No matter what obstacle got in his way he would persevere and always he lived his motto to “Never Give Up”.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Sunday April 28 in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Farmington, Visitation will continue from 10 am until the 11am hour of the funeral service Monday April 29 with family friend Patty Wells officiating. Interment will follow at Christ Lutheran Cemetery.