Howard Jackson

Howard Richard Jackson A lover of family, friends, church and sports, Howard Richard Jackson, 87, of Indianapolis passed away on Aug. 18, 2012 with his family at his side. Howard was born on April 20, 1925 in Montezuma, Ind., to Wilma and Armen Jackson. Following his graduation from Montezuma High School in 1943, he served as a radio operator in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Betty Lou Petersen on Sept. 30, 1950 at Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. The couple began dating earlier that year, as Howard took his soon-to-be wife to an auto race each Sunday. Betty Lou, who was accustomed to attending church every Sunday, became tired of this weekly arrangement, and led him to become an active member of Broadway for 62 years. He graduated from Butler University in 1950 and was a journalist in Swayzee, Ind. He then joined Mayflower Transit, where he started as a dispatcher and eventually became vice president of operations. In addition, he headed the LPGA's Mayflower Classic golf tournament. Howard also worked for Newton Crane, and for Mapleton Fall Creek Housing Development rehabilitating low-income housing. For the past 13 years, he was able to indulge his passion and vast knowledge of auto racing as a tour guide at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. He spent many hours watching auto racing, as well as his beloved Indianapolis Colts, with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Lou; four children, Steven and his wife, Betsy, of Ridgewood, N.J., David and his wife, Amy, of Avon, Ind., Phil and his wife, Joan, of Carmel, Ind., and Susie of Zionsville, Ind.; and eight grandchildren Eric Marburger, Nathan Leadingham, Dan, Matt, Jaret, Rachel, Natalie and Nick Jackson. Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan in Zionsville, and Wednesday, August 22nd at Broadway United Methodist Church from noon until 2 pm. Funeral services will follow. Graveside services will take place directly after the services at Washington Park North. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Miracle on 29th Street at Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 or at www.broadwayumc.org You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan