Mr. Gary B. Jackson

Gary Bill Jackson, 74, longtime resident of Muskogee, passed away early Saturday morning, October 18, 2014. He was born February 6, 1940 in Oktaha, Oklahoma. The youngest child of Ralph and Navolia (Still) Jackson, he attended Oktaha Public Schools through the ninth grade and graduated from Central High School in Muskogee with the class of 1958 where he played the clarinet in the band. After high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, Gary was a member of the 4th Division Band for 2 ½ years where he performed with his clarinet in many parades, concerts, and Army activities. In his spare time, he was a member of a combo and played the saxophone. On December 26, 1958, Gary married the love of his life, Betty Ann Elam in Muskogee. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Fort Lewis, Washington where Gary continued his service in the U.S. Army 4th Division Band. While they lived in Washington, their family was blessed with the arrival of two sons, Brian Kelly and Gary Todd. Gary and Betty enjoyed more than 55 years of happy marriage. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Gary worked with Goodyear in Beaumont, TX and Monsanto Chemical Company in Alvin, TX. He also attended Alvin Junior college part-time. Gary was then employed as Area Manager by Kerr McGee Corporation, which later became Sequoyah Fuels at Gore, Oklahoma for nearly 25 years. During those years, he attended Northeastern State University at Tahlequah, OK where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and later his Master’s Degree in Industrial Management. He was awarded the Industrial Arts Award two different times during his career. He attained his Double A License in Water/Waste Water Management in which he continued to do further study to upkeep his license for several years. After his retirement from Sequoyah Fuels, Gary began another career at Indian Capital VoTech. He was employed by the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing as the Broker Agent/Manufacturing Extension Agent until his retirement in 1994. Gary served as Church Pianist for nearly twenty years at Eastside Church Of God and First Church Of God in Muskogee. His music was his ministry and it brought him much joy. He teamed with Mary Jane Pamplin, organist, for most of that time. The Pamplin and Jackson Families enjoyed a special friendship. Music was an enjoyable part of Gary’s life and he received much satisfaction providing new musical instruments for all five of his grandchildren. They in turn made him quite proud of the way they are excelling. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials be made to Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 South 3rd Street, Muskogee, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Jackie; his infant grandson, Gary Andrew; and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Jackson. Gary is survived by his wife, Betty of the home; his sons, Brian Jackson, and Todd Jackson and his wife, Donna; his brother, Dennis Jackson and his wife, Marilyn; his sisters, Ronnie Schell and her husband, Gale, Lonnie Moore and her husband, Charles D.; his grandchildren, Katie Harlin and her husband, Caleb, Tabitha Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Jonathan Jackson and Seth Jackson; other family members and friends. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Bible Church, 4321 E. Hancock Street, Muskogee, with Pastor Brad Schell officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Joseph Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Seth Jackson, Caleb Harlin, Craig Harlin, and Ryan Fenska. Honorary Pallbearers will be Odell Pamplin, Sam Moore, John Hasler, Farrell Matthews, and Don Walkwitz. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Gary B. Jackson

February 6, 1940 - October 18, 2014