Muriel Eugene Jackson

Muriel Eugene "Gene" Jackson, 88, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. As his final gift, he donated his eyes to the Utah Lion's Eye Bank/Moran Eye Center for training & research purposes. Gene was born at his family's home on October 4, 1925 in Burneyville, Love County, OK to Stephen Elec "Boss" Jackson and Wessie Marze Burney Jackson. He was the youngest of six siblings, who have preceded him in death. He was proud of his Chickasaw Indian citizenship. He graduated from Burneyville High School and joined the US Air Force in 1946. Before marriage, he served tours of duty in Texas, Washington, Colorado & and his first overseas assignment was in Germany supporting the Berlin Airlift. He was then transferred state-side to Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah. He met his wife of 63 years, Ellen LaVonne Farr Jackson, who was working as a civilian at Hill AFB. They married in Evanston, Uinta County, WY on October 28, 1950. Soon after their marriage, Gene & Ellen were transferred to France, followed by additional tours of duty in Wyoming, England, Texas, Canada & Maine. Gene retired with the rank of SMSgt after 20 years of active USAF service in May 1966 and the family chose Ogden, UT as their permanent home. Gene then worked for the USAF for 22 more years as a civilian, primarily with the F-16 fighter jet program. Surviving are his wife Ellen Farr Jackson, children Deborah Ann, Stephen Eugene & Carol Lynne Jackson. He was the beloved patriarch of a family that also included his daughter-in-law Debbie Lee Knight Jackson, grandchildren Genie Lynn (Thom) Koen and Kelly Lee (Amanda) Jackson, plus two great-granddaughters, Allison Leigh & Zoey Claire Jackson. A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 6:00 a€" 8:00 pm at Aaron's Mortuary, 496 24th St., in Ogden. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Foothills Ward, 1475 Cahoon St., Ogden, UT. Friends & family may visit from 9:30 a€" 10:30 a.m prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Ogden City Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Stephen Bruce, Dr. Brian Heaton and PA Rick Cloward, Dr. Vincent Hansen, Dr. David Broadstein, Dr. J. Bryan Gilbert, the staffs of South Ogden Center for Family Medicine, Summit Hospice, Kindred Wasatch Care & Ogden Regional Medical Center for their diligent care of Gene.