Perry L. Jackson

Fremont, Utah - Our kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Perry LeRoy Jackson, age 87, passed away on May 12, 2007 in Richfield, Utah, after a valiant battle with debilitating illnesses. Perry was born May 25, 1919 in Fremont, Utah, the youngest of eight children born to Jeremiah and Chloe Jane Morrell Jackson. He married Shirley Faun Durfee, April 2, 1937 in the Manti LDS Temple. Perry loved to play the guitar and sing. He wrote lyrics and music and recorded over 100 songs. Early in his music career he was known as “The Fremont Troubadour” and his music was often played on a local radio station. In addition to singing, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and was happiest when engaged in those activities. He loved his family and was enthused about having them surround him. In the 1950's, he went to Hollywood, where his first album was recorded. He signed a contract with Victor Recording Company; however, not wanting to expose his family to the life-style of the entertainment business, he broke his contract and decided against moving to California, choosing instead the quieter life of Wayne County. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many occupations: farming, maintaining the Wayne County television towers, and driving a school bus from Hanksville to Bicknell, the longest school bus route in Utah. He could repair almost any appliance and owned a repair shop for many years. He was also a tour guide, giving 4-wheel jeep tours into the Utah desert. In 1952 Perry was asked to guide a group from National Geographic Magazine through Cathedral valley. An article entitled “Roaming The West's Fantastic Four Corners” containing photographs of Perry and his jeep was published in the June 1952 issue. Salt Lake City Magazine interviewed Perry and also published photographs and wrote about him in their article “Discovering Goblin Valley” in May/June 1997 issue. Perry is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Richfield; his children: Carolyn and Dale Gifford of Central Valley; Vernon and Sherryl Jackson of Levan; Faun and Bob Dooley of Mooresville, North carolina; Jerry and Elva Jackson of Fremont; Elvin and Pauline Jackson of Santa Clara; Dawnetta Bolaris of Manti; Rhea Stevens of St. George; Stanton and Terri Jackson of Kanab; 28 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Denton Jackson; four brothers and three sisters: Ray, Harvey, Thomas, Worthen, Luzerna baker, Chloe Taylor and Eleanor Fortner. The family extends their appreciation to the employees and volunteers of the Richfield Rehabilitation and Care Center for their diligent care of Perry while he was ill. We also want to thank the many friends and family members for their concern and kindness. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the ward chapel in Fremont, Friday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.