Mark W. Jackson

Mark W. Jackson, 75, of Ossian, IN, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, due to multiple complications of Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed in 1985. Mark was born July 6, 1948, in Fort Wayne, son to the late Ned Gene and Phyllis Jean (Weaver) Jackson. He grew up near the Baer Field Airport where he worked as a cook at the Airport Restaurant during High School. Mark graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1966 and immediately entered the GE General Purpose Motor Department Apprentice Program. He graduated from the Apprentice Program in 1970 as a Machinist/Toolmaker. Mark continued his career with GE as a Mold & Die Repairman, Bench Machinist (Toolmaker), Visual Grinder, Toolroom Lathe Operator, Specialist-Process & Equipment, and Manufacturing Engineering/Specialist in various Departments of General Electric in Fort Wayne. In 1985 Mark commuted to GE in DeKalb, IL, for six weeks to fill in as a Specialist-Manufacturing Engineering. His work trips also included flights to the Mojave Desert - brave determination and work ethic from a man who did not like to fly! Mark remained in the same positions throughout his career while ownership of the company transferred to Lockheed Martin and then to BAE Systems. He retired from BAE Systems on November 1, 2008. Mark enjoyed spending time with his family, especially when he was able to watch them continue his interest in ice hockey – four goalies, a forward, and a figure skater. He also supported and enjoyed the family’s activities in 4H and in breeding Appaloosa horses. His passion for hot rods never ceased. Mark was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ossian. Surviving are his wife, Kathryn Kay (Burke) Jackson of Ossian; children, Andrea (Mike) Driscoll of Valparaiso, IN, Justin Jackson of Fort Wayne, Valerie (Andrew) Jackson of Fort Wayne, and Nathan Jackson of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Justin, Tiffany, Nathan, Brandon, Madison, Jonah, Julia, Jacob, Henry, Riyan, Antalya, and Lucas; and sisters, Kristine (David) Mears and Becky (David) Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mathew Jackson; and sister, Susan R. Spillers. Visitation for Mark will be on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6514 E 750 N, Ossian, Indiana, 46777 with the funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery after funeral services conclude. Contributions in Mark's memory may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church (bethlehemossian.org), Well Spouse Association (wellspouse.org), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org), or Wells on Wheels (WellsOnWheels.com).