Merl E. Jackson

BLOOMFIELD:  Merl E. Jackson, 91, of Bloomfield, Iowa died May 10, 2009 at Davis County Hospital Long Term Care in Bloomfield.  He was born July 17, 1917 in Pella, Iowa to Henry and Leola Shear Jackson.  He married Wilma A. Arnold August 1, 1945 in Lancaster, Missouri.  She preceded in him death June 7, 1994.  He served in the United States Army during WWII where he was awarded 2 bronze stars and a purple heart.  He was a member of Reed Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion in Bloomfield.  He was a farmer and worked for Davis County as a maintainer operator.  He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Bloomfield.

He is survived by a son, Jerry (Nora) Jackson of Burlington, Iowa; a daughter, Jackie Benge of Pulaski, Iowa; 5 grandchildren, James Benge, Darian (Marcie) Benge, Julie (Matt) Mundell, Shannon Jackson, Shawnna (Eric) Williamson; 10 great-grandchildren, Clayton Mundell, Madison Mundell, Abigail Mundell, Riker Benge, Gage Reistroffer, Syrus Benge, Bobbi Jackson, Skyler Howard, Kolton Enke, Madison Williamson; a brother, Verl Jackson of Batavia, Iowa; a sister, Helen Meyer of Bloomfield, Iowa; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 4 brothers, Eugene, Clair, Leonard, and Glenn Jackson; and 3 sisters, Minnie Weithers, Edith Knott, and Fern Hauch.

Funeral services will be at 10:30am on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield, Iowa with Rev. Richard Friend officiating.  Burial with graveside military rites performed by Reed Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion of Bloomfield will be at the Floris Cemetery in Floris, Iowa.  Visitation will begin after 2pm on Wednesday with the family present to greet friends from 6-8pm at the funeral home.  A memorial has been established to Hospice of Wapello and Davis Counties.