Richard "Buzz" C. Jackson, 76, of Mendota, IL passed away peacefully in his home on August 13, 2024.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota with Pastor David Jungnickel officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.

Richard was born April 28, 1948 in Chicago, IL to Howard and Shirley (Benson) Jackson. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1966.

He honorably served in the U.S. Navy as a Radio Operator on the USS Perkins and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

While stationed in the Philippines, he met the love of his life, Flora. They were married on September 17, 1970. When he was honorably discharged, they moved to Mendota, IL where they raised their three children Dale, Lisa and Howie.

Richard started his career as an electrician with Foster Grant in Peru, IL and continued his career through multiple company acquisitions and finally retired with Flint Hills after 47 years.

There was nothing more important to him than his family. Everything he did in his life was for them. Richard enjoyed driving across the country for family vacations every summer and being active in every activity his children were in. His other loves in life included his beloved pets and his cars, he was a mustang man! He also enjoyed going to the Chicago Car Show and traveling to WI for the EAA Air Show, but his all time favorite thing to do was to enjoy the meals of the best cook in the world, Flora.

Richard is survived by his wife Flora Jackson of Mendota, son Dale (Niccole) Jackson of Conroe, TX, daughter Lisa (Sean) McPeak of Appleton, WI, son Howie (Kelly) Jackson of Mendota, IL, grandchildren Hannah, Jordan, Madison, Celah, Kyler, Nathan (Kylie), Myah (Rebecca), Quinton and Jacquis, great grandchildren Nayeli, Paxton, Mylie, his beloved cat Rudy, and dogs Frank and Beans and special friends Joe, Kathie, Dale, Jenny, Steve, Angela, Glen, Theresa and the girls at Fresenius Kidney Care in Dixon. IL.; sister Casey (Hap) Gehant, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Shirley Jackson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.