Rev. Thomas Jackson

The Rev. Thomas Martin Jackson was born Dec. 22, 1940, in Bollinger County and departed for Heaven on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Cox Hospital in Branson, Missouri.

He was the son of the late Rev. Verdell and Freda Mae Jackson of Bollinger County and brother to the late David V. Jackson.

Jackson has filled many roles in his life in addition to being a husband, dad, father-in-law and papa, and he did it all with excellence.

From 1958 to 1968, he served in the local community as a pastor, sectional youth leader and co-owner of The Banner-Press weekly newspaper prior to moving to the St. Louis area, president of Southeast Missouri Press Association, alderman of Marble Hill, Rotary Club Man of the Year and Community Leadership award winner from Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

From 1968 to 1975, he served United Pentecostal Church International (World Evangelism Center) in various capacities. He also served as promotional director for the general youth division, administrative assistant in church administration to the general superintendent and editor of Word Aflame Publications.

From 1975 to 1979, he served as a pastor of Tri-County Pentecostal Church in Cutler, Illinois, and was home missions director for the State of Illinois. While living there, he received his pilot's license and enjoyed flying and playing golf.

From 1979 to 1982, he served as president of Texas Bible College in Houston.

From 1983 to 2010, he served United Pentecostal Church International (World Evangelism Center) in various capacities. He also served as administrative assistant in church administration to the general superintendent, general conference coordinator, secretary of the Ministers Retirement Board and human resources director. He was a member of the Religious Conference Management Association, receiving the Presidential Award and becoming president.

While at WEC he and his wife were privileged to make many trips, both at home and abroad.

He retired in 2010, and he and his wife, Sue, moved to Branson. In the past 11 years, they enjoyed many cruises with close friends, several road trips and entertaining friends in their hometown.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Smith Jackson, who he married in 1959 in Fredericktown, Missouri; son, Bradford (Margaret) Jackson of Spring, Texas; daughter, Marcia (Ron) Bohn of Branson; and five grandchildren, Brad (Montana) Jackson of Marietta, Georgia, Marquel Moser of Branson, Marlessa (Ryan) Thompson of Saint Charles, Missouri, and Ethan Jackson and Lauren Jackson of Spring. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, Harper Grace, Ashlynn Psalm and Silas Thomas of Marietta, Giovanni Markus, Godric Martin and Gabriel Maxwell of Branson and Grayson Thomas, Gabriella Sue and Annabella Rose of Saint Charles.

Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Marcia Jean Jackson; two nieces, Jill (Matt) Coomer and Erica (Nathaniel) Molter, all of Farmington, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Melvin (Joyce) Smith of Marine, Illinois; three sisters-in-law, Auldeane Cates of Bonne Terre, Missouri, Annette (Jim) Bisbee of Saint Charles and Patricia Smith of Omaha, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Leamon, Marvin and Denzil Smith.

Funeral services and visitation were Saturday, Nov. 26, at Ford and Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri. Burial was at Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery in Marble Hill.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandlileyfuneralhome.com.