Kenneth W Jackson, 83, of Moores Hill, Indiana passed away this 22nd day of October, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born November 18, 1937, in Milan, Indiana. Son of the late Arthur Jackson and Irene (Morehead) Jackson.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. His greatest pride and joy was being a family man and raising eight children. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as an Aerographers Mate from 1955-1957. While in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Frances E. Nalepa. They were married July 5, 1958 at Lakehurst, New Jersey. Ken worked as an appliance repairman in Indianapolis, an electrician at Monsanto, and retired as pneumatic instrument technician from Seagrams in 1993 at the age of 55.
Ken enjoyed many things like genealogy, gardening, travelling, and geocaching, but his passion was music. He loved to play music with folks on stage at fairs, festivals, senior centers, and nursing homes. He led two bands, Kenny Jackson and the Tri-Staters and The Relics. He was especially proud of being invited on stage to play a song at Tootsie’s in Nashville, Nashville Palace, the Guest House Hotel in Nashville, and Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge. He also played at Renfro Valley in the Old Barn and New Barn.
Ken led efforts to establish programs honoring the service of WWII and Korean Veterans. In 2001 he founded along with others, Southeastern Indiana Musician’s Hall of Fame to recognize exemplary musicians who provide music or contribute to the cultural growth of music in the community. He led weekly music jam sessions where many seniors enjoyed dancing and socializing at the Dearborn County Adult Center in Lawrenceburg and the Rising Sun Senior Center.
Ken was recognized for his leadership in the community and service to others including Union Steward at Seagrams, St. Mary’s School Board, Hogan Water Board, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight, Dearborn County Hospital Foundation Board, State of Indiana Heart of Gold Award, Golden Hoosier Award, Kentucky Colonel, Lawrenceburg Bi-Centennial Board, Lawrenceburg Fall Fest Board, and served as President of Old Time Fiddlers Association for 8 years. In 2006, he was inducted into the Southeastern Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame.
The family will always treasure the many memories made of yearly camping trips visiting civil war sites, KOA campgrounds and playing music around the campfire – a tradition that has been handed down to the next generations. Dad will always be remembered for his love of family and the positive ways he touched our lives. Dad will live forever in our hearts.
He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Irene Jackson, brothers, Richard Lee Jackson and Larry “Jake” Jackson. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Frances Jackson of Moores Hill, Indiana, sister, Patricia (Richard) Helton of Rising Sun, Indiana, half-brother, Irvin (Sue) Jackson of Galivants Ferry, SC. Children Richard (Pam) Jackson of Everton, Indiana, Andrew (Jan) Jackson of Moores Hill, Indiana, Cecilia (Victor) Matos of Edgewood, KY, Paula (Doug) Reed of West Chester, Ohio, Kenneth II (Marie) Jackson of Moores Hill, Indiana, Valerie (Rodney) Cole of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Lara (Doug) Weber of Aurora, Indiana, Rebecca (Albert) Geiger of Ft. Myers, Florida, 21 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
A private visitation will be held at the convenience of the family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aurora, 203 4th Street, Aurora, Indiana 47001, with Father Daniel Mahan officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Aurora, Indiana or SEIMA (Southeastern Indiana Musicians Association). Sibbett-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, Box 156, Moores Hill, IN 47032, (812)744-3280. Please visit our website at www.sibbettmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Ken.