Albert Jackson

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Albert Sharpe Jackson was born Aug. 16, 1939, at Success, Arkansas, to Albert Silas and Velma Sharpe Jackson. He departed this earthly life Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020.

Al's education consisted of several two-room schools, then Naylor (Missouri) Grade School and High School. High school sports provided some of the highlights of his life, with a verified scoring of 70 basketball game points once and 50 points frequently scored.

Al furthered his education at Arkansas State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and later a master's degree in counseling.

Following high school, he served a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, earning an honorable discharge. His work in St. Louis consisted of McDonnell Douglas employment, a phone company and a used car lot.

Al returned to Naylor and taught for several years at Doniphan High School, while also working at Edwards Funeral Home.

Al was a faithful church attendee. He always had his favorite Bible beside his favorite chair. He could often be seen mowing lawns for older people.

Multiple friends, relatives and acquaintances, including his minister and church members and even some former students, provided frequent moral and practical support as his health declined.

Reluctantly, Al attempted to adapt to his new environment. Eventually, he received an effective medication which afforded him peace and also preserved his memory. Unfortunately, his physical body was exhausted.

Survivors include a son, Brad Jackson; grandson, Jake Jackson; sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Jones; sister-in-law, Barbara Jackson; nephew, Mike Jackson; niece, Jan (Jason) Andrews; nephew, Randall (Laura) Sparkman; special cousin, Calvin Pitts; great-nieces and -nephews, Courtnee (Jason), Cory (Taylor), Addison, MacKay, Jalen, Jordan, Sumner and Blake; as well as great-great-nieces and -nephews and multiple cousins.

Among other special people in Al's life were his beloved mother, until her death; Jay Mondy, Jeri Chase Hudson, Pastor Larry Earl and Mary Sparkman.

Preceding him in death were his parents; older brother, Howard Jackson; brother-in-law, Rex Jones; nephew, Kendall Sparkman; maternal grandparents, Dollie and Frank Sharpe; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will begin at noon Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday, with Pastors Larry Earl, Jason Jordan and Jalen Andrews officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Doniphan City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Al Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Edwards Funeral Home.