OBITUARY: Leonard H. Jackson

Leonard H. Jackson, 75 of Eddyville, born Feb. 9, 1939, in Rosiclare to Walter C. and Janie (Carman) Jackson, left this life on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Harrisburg, surrounded by his wife and several of his children reuniting with his loved ones who were waiting to greet him.

He married Carol "Sue" (Barger) Jackson on July 2, 1982, and on this day two families united as one. Together they share seven children, Beverly (Ed) Vodegel of Sacramento, Calif.; Kevin Hill of Eddyville; Sandy (Martin) Head of Shawneetown; Tammy Harp of Harrisburg; Christina (Nick) Cockrum of Simpson; Sharon (Mike) Stover of Carrier Mills; Greg (Rachel) Jackson of Ft. Worth, Texas. They also share 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Along with his wife and immediate family, he is survived by a sister, Margie Richerson of Amarillo, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters and his children, Rita Faye, Leonard H. Jr., Lonnie Leon and Pammy Sue.

Leonard was a member of Cedar Bluff Church in Delwood.

By trade he was a fluorspar miner and a supervisor for Sahara 6 Coal Co. After his service as a miner he pursued his passion for hunting by operating Little Creek Archery Range and Bow Shop and serving on the Board of Director's for the International Bowhunter's Organization. In recent years he proudly served on the board of Rural Pope County Fire Department. In past years he operated a local campground, was a member of The Lion's Club and served as a police officer for Carrier Mills Township.

In his free time he enjoyed spending time with his family, playing the guitar and singing (over the years he played in several bands), watching western movies (he was always happy to watch a western with anybody who would sit down long enough to watch one with him), and riding horses. One of his favorite quotes was "There's nothing better for the inside of a man, than the outside of a horse." - Ronald Reagan

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville.

Interment will follow the service at Zion Cemetery, Ozark.