Richard D. “Rick” Jackson Jr., 64, of Odin passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 3, 1960, the son of Richard Sr. and Lynda (Mason) Jackson in Salem, IL. He married Melissa Hays on September 13, 1991, in Odin, and she survives him.
Along with his wife of 33 years, Melissa Jackson, survivors include his daughters, Sara Young (Alex) of Florence, Alabama, and Emaly Sanders (Skylar) of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Nora, Braxten, Rowan, and Bria.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Sr. and Lynda Jackson.
Rick was a proud United States Army veteran, serving under the 82nd Airborne Division. He worked as a welder in the welding trade. Rick will be remembered as a brave “PaPa” by his grandchildren and will be missed by his wife, daughters, friends, and his Army buddies.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date by the family. Memorials may be made in Rick’s honor to his family and will be accepted for his family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Rick may be shared with his family by visiting maczfunrealhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
