Dr. Ronald Jackson OD

Ronald M. Jackson, O.D., age 79 passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, surrounded by his family in Wichita, Kansas. He was born November 15, 1944 to G.M. Jackson and Gladys D. (Nichols) Jackson in Wichita.

Ron graduated from Wichita South High school in 1962. After graduating, he spent a year at K-State before moving back to Wichita to be closer to his girlfriend, Iris Rogers. He attended Wichita State and was then accepted to the University Of Houston School Of Optometry. Ron and Iris were married in January, 1965, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Ron graduated from U of H with his Doctor of Optometry in 1967.

He was called to serve his country and was placed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, in April 1968, as a Captain in the optometric unit. He then spent one year serving in Vietnam.

After his Army service, Ron and Iris returned to Wichita where he opened an optometric practice in the Central Heights Mall. Over the years, he was a member and served in multiple roles with the Kansas Optometric Association. He retired from the occupation he loved dearly in 2016. He said, “He never had a day he didn’t want to go to work.”

Growing up, Ron attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Wichita. Later, he attended Pathway Church. He was very active in his Home Team group and often taught the bible study lessons. He loved Jesus!

As a man with many hobbies over the years, he loved sailing and was a member of the Ninnescah Yacht Club (now known as the Ninnescah Sailing Association) for many decades. He found immense joy being on his boat and teaching anyone who wanted to learn how to sail. His other passion was woodworking where Ron loved designing and creating his projects. He joined the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild and made many friends who shared his love of creating. And, just like with sailing, he wanted to teach the world how to use the tools correctly and how to create. Some of his other hobbies and interests included photography, music, camping, snow and water skiing, and traveling.

Ron, always made sure his one and only daughter had his attention. She went to work with him, he regularly took her roller skating on Saturday mornings, rode bikes with her all over the city of Wichita, taught her how to sail and how to swim, and even how to change the oil in the cars. The two were usually inseparable.

Having a wonderful sense of humor, Ron always had a funny story or joke to tell for any situation, even in his final hours on earth. He could talk your ear off, but no one ever seemed to mind. He always had an answer or advice and knew how to fix just about anything. He will be deeply missed here on earth, but we are sure he is already busy setting up his shop in heaven.

Ron is preceded by his parents, George Morris Jackson & Gladys D. Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Iris Jackson (Rogers); daughter, Jennifer Teetzen (Doug); granddaughter, Rachel Teetzen; great-grandson, Timothy Shinaver; grandson, Tyler Teetzen (Katie); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life for Ronald will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM, Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

A memorial fund has been established in his name with the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild, Attn: Dan Burtch, Treasurer, 118 N Sheridan, Wichita, KS 67203.