Jack was a talented athlete, class president, and graduated from Shallowater High School in 1942. He served in the US Naval Air Corp as a fighter pilot and flew F-4U Corsairs off the USS Guadalcanal in World War II. He attended Texas Tech University and studied chemical engineering. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church and served as a deacon, teacher, and on numerous committees. He was a cotton farmer for over 45 years and served on the Co-op Gin Board and on the Co-op Denim Mill Board, as well. He loved flying and owned Shallowater Airport and operated a spray and air service business. He was a distinguished associate of Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine and contributed to the development of the medical school and its programs throughout West Texas. He served on the city council and was mayor of Shallowater. He was president of the Shallowater Lion's Club and was named "Man of the Year" (1974). He served as president of the Shallowater School Board and was a regular fixture at community sports watching his kids, grandkids, and local athletes. He and his wife were given the "Top Hoss Award" by Shallowater ISD. He was a Master Mason for 70 years. He married the love of his life, Dorene Dennis, in 1954 and in the next 69+ years, they built a wonderful life and family. He enjoyed RVing, traveling, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.
Jack is survived by his wife, Dorene; his daughters, Lesa and husband Mark Stone of Cross Roads, TX, Jana and husband Charles Sauer of Elizabethton, TN, Dawn and husband Glen Kersey of Valley View, TX; Six Grandchildren, Laci Keltz (Kyle), Justin Stone, Lindzi Nicholson (Brandon), Bryan Kersey (Courtney), Callie Kersey, Grant Kersey; Eight Great Grandchildren, Jett and Jakob Stone, Thomas and Jack Keltz, Andy Kersey, James, Alice, and Cate Nicholson.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest memorial donations to the Senior Adult Ministry of First Baptist Church (703 Ave J, Shallowater, Texas 79363) http://www.firstshallowater.org
Serving as pallbearers are Don Dennis, Justin Stone, Bryan Kersey, Grant Kersey, Jett Stone, Jakob Stone, Thomas Keltz, Jack Keltz, James Nicholson and Andy Kersey.
