Russel L. Jackson

Russel Jackson, 78, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones, on August 14, 2020. He was a retiree of Ford Motor Company and was loved and respected by the many people who came to know him.

He lived a big, bold, love filled life. There was nothing Russel loved more than a good laugh and he was a notorious jokester. He’s known across the country as the guy who put a live walkie talkie in the porta potty across from his house during the Indy 500 race weekend and to the delight of those in attendance at the annual Jackson Race Party, could be counted on to be on his front porch as the mysterious voice from the void to unsuspecting race “goers”. He followed that up as the guy who purchased a misting fan for the wellbeing of the hundreds of overheated fans who streamed past his house post race. (He never did retrieved the walkie talkie.) Russel loved nothing better than a great laugh and was at the same time kind and generous with his time and heart. He taught his kids that a good work ethic was expected and rewarded, and that family is everything. He never ended a conversation or visit without saying I love you.

He is survived by the woman he lived for, his wife of 12 years, Dawn Sanders-Jackson; Children, Eileen Korthuis and Mike, Russ Jackson and Cindy Dashnaw; Step-daughter Rhea Anderson; Grandchildren, David Jackson, Michael Laffey and Erica, Shawn Korthuis and Olivia, Maddy Jackson, Zaden Anderson; Great grandchildren, Mikey and Myles Laffey. Sisters and brothers, Sandra Albano, Tommy Jackson, Peggy Baker, Vickie White, Billie Jo Jackson, Steven Jackson, Debra Jackson Alley and Mike, as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Russel was reunited with his first wife of 35 years, Sheila Jackson; brothers Larry Dean Jackson, Ben Jackson, Gary Jackson and sister Marcia Privratsky. For those of you who knew them, you know that had to be quite a reunion!

Calling hours will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home on Friday, August 21st between 4:00 and 7:00. Face masks will be required and face shields are encouraged. In an effort to provide a safe health environment, we will rotate a shifting flow of 25 people at a time to visit with Russel and family.

Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be a small family event on Saturday, August 22nd, at 10:00 a.m. Because so many people loved Russel, live streaming of the funeral will be available on the Crown Hill Funeral Home Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/71116769940/) Please send flowers or gifts to Crown Hill Funeral Home.

Don’t count on tomorrow to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you.