Elza E. "Gene" Jackson, resident of Ponca City, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 67.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Michael Seabaugh, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory. Per his wishes his body was donated to medical science.

Gene was born April 3, 1942, to Elza and Elsie Paschel Jackson in Ponca City.

Gene attended school in Ponca City and enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 16. He served as an electricians mate, 3rd class, USS General W.A. Mann Tap 112 from April 1959 to March 1963. He later worked for Ponca City Fire Department from 1967 to 1977 and then, from 1978 to 1983, he was a member of Kaw City Fire Department. After his 14 years as a firefighter he spent the rest of his life as a truck driver and retired from the Ranch Drive Co-op in 2006. At the time of his death he was driving for Barry Lane Farms.

Gene enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, his family and his many friends. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his willingness to help with any project "because Papa could fix anything." He additionally enjoyed riding horses when he was a member of the Marland Roundup Club. Gene enjoyed spending time riding his motorcycle and spending time with his many friends at the Country Bar.

He is survived by his children, Bart Snyder and wife Cheryl, Bret Snyder and wife Nikki, Sherri Jackson Bartlett and husband Jason, Robyn Snyder Primeaux and husband Chris, and Stacey Jackson Paslay and husband Preston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon Snyder, Cody Primeaux, Rebecca Primeaux, Cheyenne Snyder, Kaden Paslay, Clark Cash Paslay, and Kyall Paslay; his mother, Elsie Jackson; his brothers, Don Jackson and wife Linda, Joe Jackson and wife Johanna, and Ralph Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sharrel and his father Elza C. Jackson.

Honorary casketbearers will be Robert "Chico" Daniels, Dan Miles, J.C. Boomer, Vic Bennett, Robbie Vick, and Brent Collier.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 6525 N. Meridian, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73116.

The family will be at 121 Harth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary