Vivian And Albert Jackson

Vivian R Hankamer Jackson age 98 passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, in Austin, Tx. She was born on September 16, 1925, in Topeka, Kansas to Hazel Jackson Hankamer and Adolf John Hankamer.

Vivian grew up in Topeka, Kansas and attended Topeka Schools. She was the oldest of three children, a brother, John and a sister, Norma, who both predeceased her. The families of the three siblings were close and socialized frequently with each other and their parents. Many beautiful memories were made at the Hankamer’s lake house on Lake Wabaunsee.

Albert Jackson Jr. was also aged 98 when he passed away on May 2, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Born on February 14, 1925, in Tecumseh, Kansas, Albert was the son of Albert and Elsie Emma Raab Jackson.

Albert grew up in Tecumseh and attended local schools. He was the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, Dorothy, and Margaret, who predeceased him. After serving in the US Navy during World War II, he enrolled at the University of Kansas on the GI Bill, where he earned a degree in Business in 1950. Upon graduating, Albert worked as an accountant for his father-in-law at Hankamer’s Concrete Company. In time, he opened his own successful business, Consumers Sand Company, which he sold when he retired.

Albert was an active member of the Kansas Masonic Lodge, the Arab Shriners of Topeka (Topless Unit and the Royal Order of Jesters), the Scottish Rite, and the University of Kansas Alumni Association. In 1986, Albert served as Potentate of the Arab Shriners of Topeka, Kansas.

Vivian and Albert married on January 18, 1945. Both the bride and groom were 19 years of age, and at that time, a 19-year-old male had to have his father’s permission to marry, which Albert Senior would not grant. They attempted to get a marriage license in Topeka but were turned away, so went to a rural community not far away where they were successful. Since Albert was on leave from the US Navy at the time, they had little time as newlyweds before he had to report back to his ship. The couple celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary in January 2023. They each provided unwavering love and support to the other during their long marriage.

The couple had three children, Richard (Rick) born in 1948, and twins Diane and DeAun born 2 and a half years later, in 1951. With 3 babies, Vivian had lots of diapers to wash in the old ringer washer and to hang on the clothesline to dry. In addition, the family suffered through the worst flood in Kansas history in July 1951, losing most of their belongings and their house. Rick and DeAun predeceased their parents.
The family had many happy memories of swimming parties at the Sand Pit and summer trips to Colorado and the Ozarks. As empty nesters, Vivian and Albert traveled extensively to Europe and within the US.

Diane moved Vivian and Albert to Austin, Texas in 2021 so she could fully support them as they aged. They sorely missed Topeka and their friends and relatives.

Vivian and Albert are survived by their daughter, Diane Nunez, their grandchildren, Ben Jeter, Christi Grame, Katie Brewer, Justin Ward, and Robyn Ward and eight great grandchildren. Vivian’s kind heart and support will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and Albert will be remembered as a generous, kind, funny and intelligent man who made the world a better place. Both will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and love them.

Special thanks to Magnolia Hospice of Austin for their compassion in delivering end-or-life care to both Vivian and Albert and for their thoughtful support of the family.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24 at 12 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Midtown Chapel located at 1321 SW 10th Street in Topeka. The family will receive friends and there will be a sharing of memories. Graveside inurnment for family members will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery 3430 NE Menoken Rd, Topeka.

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