Dale Irwin Jackson, 92, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017.
He was born December 12, 1924 in Elmont, KS, the son of Chester Robert and Grace Elizabeth Jackson.
Dale attended Holiday Jr. High and graduated from Topeka High School. He also attended Washburn University, the University of Kansas and M.I.T.
Mr. Jackson joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving as an armed guard for two and a half years and as a frogman for one and a half years. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, the Pacific Campaign Medal and a commendation medal during the Cuban Crisis.
After he retired from the U.S. Navy, he taught electronics at the Air Force Academy for twelve years. Dale was a longtime member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Moose Lodge # 55, American Legion Post 1 and VFW Post # 1650.
He married Mary Ellen Mahoney who preceded him in death. They had six children, Phyllis Lancy, Delaine Caldwell, Dennis Jackson, Dale Jackson, Jr., Tony Jackson and Rose Whitworth and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His son, Dennis Jackson just preceded him in death on May 10, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Harold Jackson, and two sisters, Edna Mae Nevins and Mary Freeman.
He later married Helen Robinson Douglas on February 14, 1984 and together they enjoyed may years of love and happiness. She survives.
Other survivors include his previously mentioned children as well as three step-children, Debbie Lang, Denis Douglas and David Douglas, seven step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Ely, as well as Jamie Warren Raab, who is like a daughter.
Mr. Jackson will lie in state after 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m, that evening. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Saturday, May 27 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1821 SW. 37th St., Topeka, KS 66611, with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Half Day Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church or to Great Lakes Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street Ste. 100, Topeka, KS, 66614.
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