CMSgt Donald Leroy Jackson USAF Retired

Donald is survived by his wife Eloisa Silva Jackson of 30 years and his daughters Jacklyn Lee Jackson and Victoria Ann Jackson. Donald was a beloved husband and father.

Donald was born in Buffalo, New York on July 7, 1954; the son of Delno Leroy Jackson and Betty Marie Wallen. He was the oldest boy, and the third child of five. His siblings (all surviving) are Linda Menhert (Jim), Diane Strong (Jim), Kim Jackson, and Dean Jackson (Mary Jo). He grew up as a Lutheran, and his God parents were Louie Weber & Mita Weber.

In his childhood, he was known for being introverted and "by the book." His first job was working as a paper boy at the age of 13 where he would deliver the evening paper. He was known as “The Flash,” because he was a quick short distance runner. Ever since he was little he had a fascination for air planes. He graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical High School "Hutch Tech."

He had a desire to serve his country, which led to him in enlisting in the United States Air Force. From there he traveled the US for different trainings, positions, and assignments. It was then that his love for air planes came to life as he worked within Jet Engine Maintenance. As he moved in rank, he was able to oversee different scopes of the plane. After serving 4 years of Active Duty, he enrolled into a private flight school where he earned his license as a Pilot. His Flight Mentor Jim Strong was impressed with his quick learning ability and acceleration throughout various levels and licenses. Four years later, he joined the USAF Reserves in conjunction with Civilian Service. He exceeded expectations in his career, broke barriers of time lines, and was able to achieve a plethora of honors, achievements, medals, and awards. For many years he was a Propulsion Branch Chief and ended his career as the Quality Branch Chief at Kelly AFB with the 433rd.

Donald Leroy Jackson honorably served his country for 23 years and retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. He and his wife had agreed for him to have an early retirement so he could be actively involved in the upbringing of his two daughters. As family would say, “He was all about his girls."

He was known for being extremely wise with a sense of humor. He had many talents, was musically inclined, and had interests/hobbies with firearms, collecting coins and trains.

He will always be remembered for the way he loved, how he “rocked," and had excellent attention to detail.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 12th at 11am at Zion Lutheran Church, 9944 Leslie Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254 (located by Braun and 1604).