Ernest Baker Jackson

Ernest B. Jackson Bicknell, UT./Yuma,AZ. - Ernest Baker Jackson, age 88, passed away March 27, 2003 at his home in Yuma, Arizona. He was born March 31, 1914 in Bicknell, Utah, a son of Joseph Buet and Adeline Baker Jackson. Ernest graduated from Wayne High School and attended Snow College in Ephraim. He served in World War II under General Patton’s Third Army, 775th Field Artillery Battalion. He flew 290 missions as a liaison pilot, directing artillery fire. He was awarded the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Stars. He ended his military career as a Captain. He married Elva Allen June 8, 1943 in the Manti LDS Temple. Ernest taught school and served as principal in Bicknell. He continued his education at Brigham Young University and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Nebraska. He was a Professor of Plant Science and a Research Scientist - agronomy for the University of Arizona. He retired in 1983 from the U of A as a Emeritus Professor and Research Scientist. Ernest was an active member of the LDS Church throughout his life, serving in many capacitites, including scout master, member of the district presidency in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, member of the building committee for the LDS 8th Street Chapel and a member of the Bishopric of the Yuma 2nd Ward. He was also involved in community affairs, serving a term as mayor of Bicknell. Ernest and Elva enjoyed spending their summers in Bicknell and associating with the good people of Wayne County. His retirement years were spent hunting, fishing, building a cabin in Wayne County and enjoying his many grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Elva; his eight children: JoAnn and Wayne Kalama, Azusa, CA; Anita and Alan Newman, Huntington Beach, CA; Mary and Ron Curl, Riverside, CA; Ernest Lee and Nancy Jackson, Glendora, CA; Barbara and Kim Brody, Yuma, AZ; David Ellett and Lisa Jackson, Glendora, CA; Donna and Donald Rohbock, Fruit Heights, UT; Jeri Lyn and Val Taylor, Yuma, AZ; 45 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; sisters: Ferol and Jack Evans of Salt Lake City; Geneve and Garn Turner of Loa; sister-in-law: Thelma Paulson. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rex Jackson and Worth Jackson. Graveside services will be held Friday, April 4, 2003 at 1:0 P.M. in the Bicknell Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing at the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel in Bicknell, Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #36 will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the direction of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnsion, Utah.