Thomas Lee “Tommy” Jackson

May 16, 2011 | Obituaries, Submitted Obituary

He was born Dec. 11, 1930 in Excelsior Springs, the son of Dale and Ruth Tobin Jackson. A graduate of Trenton High School and Trenton Junior College, Thomas received his bachelor of science in business administration degree from the University of Kansas and a master of social studies degree from Mississippi State University. Thomas also attended and graduated from the Naval War College at Newport, RI.
In 1953 Thomas married the former Marilyn Estes of Trenton. During their 35-year marriage, they had four children and resided in 10 states and Singapore. In 1991, during Thomas’ last demployment, he met, fell in love with and married the former Brigida Estrella of Santo Domingo, DR. They settled in Mandeville, his last household move and love.
Thomas served his country in the U.S. Navy for 32 years. He began his naval career in January 1951 as an aviation cadet and received his wings and was designated a naval aviator in June 1952 in Pensacola, FL. He served many tours of duty as a Naval Aviator during Korea and Vietnam and was awarded many commendations during his naval career including the Bronze Star. Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1982, he continued his love of flying as a private pilot until full retirement in 1991. He was an avid sports and outdoorsman. Depending on the season, if you went looking for Thomas you would find him bird hunting, fishing, shooting skeet and trap, playing a couple rounds of golf, working with Brigida in and enjoying their yard, helping a neighbor with a project or visiting with family or friends. Thomas was active in his subdivision master association and served as President in 2010. He also maintained active membership with the A3 Skywarrior Association and National Rifle Association.
Thomas is predeceased by his first wife, the former Marilyn Estes of Trenton, in 2003 and granddaughter, Kimberly McCarney in 2007.
Survivors include his wife, Brigida Estrella Jackson of Mandeville, LA; his son, Maurice Jackson and wife, Pam of Litchfield Park, AZ; his daughter, Marlene Stockard of Covington, LA; his daughter, Michele Jackson of Columbia; his daughter, Maureen Jackson of Suwanee, GA; his sister, Dalene Arthaud and husband, Don of Gainesville; his grandchildren William McCarney, Amanda Anise Stockard, Kelly Clarice Stockard, Andrew McCarney and Thomas McCarney; and many other loving family members and friends.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 28 at noon in Rural Dale Cemetery under the direction of Whitaker-Eads Funeral Home in Trenton. Thomas’ ashes will be buried between the graves of Dale and Ruth Jackson. Full military honors will be conferred.
The following are suggestions for donations in memory of Thomas Lee Jackson:
Greenleaves Bird Sanctuary, 200 Greenleaves Blvd., Greyfern Bldg., Suite 13, Mandeville, LA 70448; DAV Memorial Program, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301; and CaringBridge, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 6032, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6632.