Willard S. Jackson

**Willard S. Jackson**, 85, of Versailles, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Manderly Health Center in Osgood. He was born on November 14, 1923 in Versailles, Indiana and was the son of Marshall and Stella (Fox) Jackson. Willard was married to Vivian (Rendleman) Guthrie on April 20, 1946. After fifty-nine years of marriage, she preceded him in death in April of 2005. Survivors include one daughter, Marcia (Randy) McKenney of Shelbyville, Indiana; two sons: Robert L. (Peggy) Guthrie of Arlington, Tennessee and Danny (Susan) Jackson of Versailles; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; three brothers: Kenneth, Hubert (Eva), and Marion (Joleh) Jackson. Willard was preceded in death by his dear daughter Pamela and three sisters: Ruth Carter, Neva Rea, and Margaret Probst. Willard Jackson was a lifelong Ripley County citizen and his Versailles area ancestry dates to the early 1800's. He was a 1941 graduate of Versailles High School and a WWII Veteran. In February of 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was shipped to the Naval Training Station Great Lakes, Illinois for 'boot' camp. During his tenure in the United States Navy, he served on the USS California, was a student at Wabash College under the accelerated Navy V-12 program to develop commissioned officers, and was stationed in Philadelphia, Norfolk, Bremerton, and in the Philippine Islands during the island's liberation from the Japanese. Willard was awarded: The Victory Medal, American Area Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 9, 1946. Willard was a member of Tanglewood Baptist Church for over 70 years and served in various capacities including that of church deacon. He was a farmer, construction home builder with Williams Home Building of Madison, and department of natural resources employee. A grave-side memorial service will be held at the Tanglewood Church Cemetery on Monday, April 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM - the sixty-third anniversary of Vivian and Willard's wedding day.