Louis Wayne Jackson
Louis Wayne Jackson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and valued community member, passed away on December 10, 2024, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was born on June 29, 1939, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The son of Lewis Woodson “L.W” Jackson and Vernice Marie Holland, Wayne graduated from Duncan High School and went on to attend Cameron University and Cooke County College where he studied Industrial Arts and Engineering.
He was baptized at age 9 at First Baptist Church in Duncan, Oklahoma, and became a dedicated member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, Texas in 1966. He served in various capacities there for over five decades, including as a greeter, usher, and secretary for the youth Sunday School classes and lead groundskeeper.
Wayne married Betty Ann Braddock Jackson on April 10, 1976, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, and together they raised four children: Julie McDowell, Jennifer Etheridge (David), Kris Kelley (Jana), and Michelle Kelley (Sean Morris). Wayne was also a proud grandfather to Rachael Shelton, Michael Shelton (Brianna), Rider McDowell, Jeffrey Smith (Paige), Jane Ramey (Jeremy), Logan Etheridge, Victoria Etheridge, Aaron Kelley (Cheyenne), Seth Kelley, and Joel Kelley (Corinne), Isabella Kelley, Noah Kelley, Sienna Morris and Joshua Morris. His legacy continues with his great-grandchildren: Caleb, Layla, Paislee, Brooks, and Cooper. He is also survived by his niece, Tracy Campbell (Mark) of Norman, Oklahoma.
While working at 77 Bowl in Gainesville, Texas as a young adult, Wayne overheard about an opportunity to work for Western Electric which started his 35 year telecommunications career. He earned great respect as an installer with Western Electric and AT&T and was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, CWA Local 6290. After retiring, he worked part-time at H-E-B as a produce man and at Ennis Honda Motorcycles.
A lifelong supporter of Ennis High School football, Wayne held season tickets for 50 years and was a devoted fan of the Ennis Lions. He also loved traveling with Red River New Mexico being his favorite place to visit.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Woodson “L.W.” Jackson and Vernice Marie Holland Jackson, his sisters Claudine Hendrickson and Shirley Farris (Jerry) and son-in law Reggie McDowell.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Brookdale Senior Living, Legend Oaks, Bristol Hospice of Ennis, LifeSpring Hospice, and Touchmark of Coffee Creek in Edmond, Oklahoma, for their compassionate care and support during his final days.
Visitation was held at the J. E. Keever Funeral Home on Monday from 6-8 in the evening. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Wayne was held at 11:00 in the morning at the Chapel of J. E. Keever Funeral Home.
