Robert was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 20, 1943 and passed peacefully at home in Monteagle, Tennessee on July 16, 2022.
Preceded in death by his parents Oval and Dorothy Jackson. His brothers Kenneth, Orville (Junior), Duane (Duke), James, and sister Denise Looman. He is survived by the love of his life Cheryl, wife of over 56 years. His children Jennifer and Stephen (Barbara Major). His grandchildren Lucia, Eli, and Garrit Jackson of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Riley and Harris O’Gwynn of Auburn, Alabama. Brother Dennis Jackson of Elwood, Indiana. He loved family and held his nieces and nephews and extended family always in his thoughts.
Robert graduated from Otsego High School in 1961 and held several Associates degrees from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Industrial Education from Western Michigan University, and an MBA from Vanderbilt University Owen School of Management.
Robert went to work for Eaton Corporation in 1968 and retired in 2001. His thirty-three-year career took him and his family through 7 moves, two of which were international. His dedication to his work and family allowed us all to see the world and learn and grow with him, while making dear friends in Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Bowdon, England, and Shanghai, China.
Robert was dedicated to family, education, and community. When he wasn’t researching family history, he was serving the community in many ways. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge. Was an active member of Rotary International in Shelbyville, Humboldt, and Monteagle, Tennessee. Served as the President of the Monteagle Tennessee club from 2004-2006 and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2011. He served on University Advisory Boards for Motlow State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University, always eager to share his knowledge and to support education.
Burial will take place at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Robert, the family encourage you to donate to a classroom teacher, school, or library in your area.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Karen Boekeloo
So sorry for your lost Cheryl. Bob was one of the great people that I had pleasure of working with at Eaton. Always had a smile that would make things right. Prayers are with you and your family.
The Reed Family
Dear Cheryl and Family,
We’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband, dad, and grandpa. We have good memories of our time together in Otsego. Bob was a highly respected, kind-hearted man, and we know he will be greatly missed by your family and friends. Prayers for comfort as you mourn his loss, honor his life, and cherish his memory.
Our condolences,
Luanne Reed and Family
George and Joyce Galloway
Sending prayers to the family at this sad time.
John Gibson
Cheryl & Family,
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He is my Otsego classmate and we carpooled together (with Hugh Myers) to Western Michigan University in the early ‘60s.
Thankful to have seen Bob & Cheryl at our 50th class reunion.
My memories of Bob are fond ones and I pray for Bob and the family at this difficult time. He always was a classy guy.
Blessings, John Gibson
John & Judy Baxter
Cheryl, Jennifer and Stephen
Judy and I we saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. We have so many treasured memories from our days as neighbors in Bowden, UK and later when both our families lived in Tennessee.
We send our sincerest condolences to you all.
God Bless Robert’s soul and God bless you!
All our love,
John & Judy Baxter