O. Wayne Jackson

O. Wayne Jackson, age 89 of New Philadelphia, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 24, 2010 in Union Hospital at Dover following an apparent heart attack. Born in Piper City, Illinois on March 4, 1921, he was the son of the late Orin William and H. Irene (Ristow) Jackson.Wayne graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1939. While in school, he enjoyed going to Tuscora Park Skating Rink. There, he met and fell in love with his wife of nearly 68 years, the former Sarah O. Crites. They were married in the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia on December 13, 1942, just prior to his military service in the United States Army.Wayne honorably served our country from 1942 to 1945 in the Central Pacific Islands, Company M #111 Infantry. Upon his return from service, he spent 32 years as a sheet metal engineer for the former Warner & Swasey, (The Gradall Co.) retiring in 1982. He was also an active area photographer for numerous years.In addition to his membership at the First United Methodist Church, he was a member of the B.P.O.E. Elks #510 of New Philadelphia, The American Legion Post #129, the V.F.W. Post #1445, and New Philadelphia Lodge #177 F. & A. M.He and his wife also enjoyed their membership with the NASCAR Race Goers.Wayne will be deeply missed by his wife Sarah; his children, Mary Jill (Ron) McQuerrey of Marion, O. and Jeffery (friend, Lisa Nelson) Jackson of New Philadelphia; and his nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gayle “Bud” Jackson; and his sister, Dorothy Lane.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday, November 28, 2010 from 2 to 5 p.m. A service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bud Milligan officiating. Burial will follow the service in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors.Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center following the committal service where a time of fellowship and a meal will be shared.Memorial contributions in Wayne’s memory may be directed to either The First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, O. 44663 or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, O. 44622.