WILLIAM MCKINLEY JACKSON

OBITUARY OF WILLIAM McKinley JACKSON WILLIAM was born on July 5, 1926 in Syracuse, MO to Erma Williams and Clarence Jackson. William's mother Erma passed away when he was 6 months old, and he was lovingly raised by his Aunt Ruth who he called Mom and her husband Uncle Lacy Ware while in Versailles, MO. William also lived with his father Clarence Jackson in St. Louis. William, an only child was beloved by all of his aunts, uncles and cousins all over Missouri and Kansas. He always told his children his favorite youthful memories are of spending summers with different cousins because all of them were more like brothers and sisters. He never 'FELT' like an only child, he only felt deeply loved and returned that love in kind. William taught himself how to play piano at age 12 then began taking piano lessons. He graduated from high school then began working to save money for college. He joined the army on January 31, 1946 and was stationed in Adak, Alaska and Honorably Discharged from the 353rd Band, Fort Francis E. Warren, and WY on March 21, 1947 at the rank of T/4. William was awarded the WW II Victory Medal Asiatic Pacific Ribbon Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the army, William met and fell in love with Ruth Smith of Denver, Colorado. They were married on April 1, 1949, and of that union were born Marcus, Cheryl, Kevin and Arn Phillip. William attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City MO where he received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree on June 4, 1951. He later attended Denver University and was just a few hours short of his Masters degree. He then moved back to Denver with his family and began teaching school. William was a choir director as well as a band and music director for Denver Public Schools. Music was the love of William's life. He was accomplished on all instruments, but he truly loved the piano and sax. His singing voice was often compared to the smooth satiny tones of Nat King Cole, to which William felt honored. The marriage of William and Ruth sadly ended in 1972, and he married Theodora Bastien who preceded him in passing in 1980. As a local musician, William was known as Bill 'Mr. Music' Jackson. He played on all the venues with Denver's greatest musicians of the time, with everything from a trio to a seven-piece band. He was one of Colorado's finest. When national artist would come to Denver William was known for his hospitality and friendship. He maintained his friendships with and kinships with his brother and sister musicians until the day he passed on. As an individual musician, William played at the Doubletree Hotel Lounge for the last 16 years of his life during the Christmas holiday season. A highlight of William's teaching career was when he created a patriotic musical performed by the students. This musical gained him recognition from the Governor and Senate of Colorado. He demanded excellence from his students and they loved him for teaching them that giving their all was a reward in itself. His students were invited to perform all over the state each year and were known as talented and dignified even though they were young Junior High students. William was a loyal member of the Lincoln University Alumni as well as a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He enjoyed the Alumni fundraisers to create scholarships for young high school graduates. William loved wearing tuxedos and had a personal collection of 10 to fit any occasion. His public appearance was very important to him. William's trademark was a white captain's hat with a black bill. It is highly doubtful anyone saw him without one unless he was playing the piano in the last thirty-five years. FROM THE JACKSON CHILDREN As his children, we know his beloved friends and family wanted to say farewell, especially since things happened so fast. Daddy made a decision to stop dialysis after finding out he had stomach cancer. His words to us were 'I love you all so much, but I'm just tired. Just keep loving me.' He had already made his arrangements, and whatever was not made he had us take care of right then and there. He knew he only had a few days left after he stopped dialysis. The main thing he wanted his loved ones to know was he would see them in Heaven and he was ready to meet his Lord and Savior. He died pain free and peacefully in his sleep. He did things exactly the way he wanted to, and so we are doing things exactly the way he wanted US to by carrying out his last wishes and not having any type of service. He did not want flowers or tears. He wanted everyone to know he believed the best time to show someone you love them is while they are living by the things you say and do, and hopefully you will be able to find peace as we have because he showed each one of you his love by his actions and words. William is survived by his sons Kevin and Arn (Crystel) Jackson, daughter Cheryl (Aurelio) Brown all of Denver, grandchildren Marcus and Troy Jackson of California, Dallas and Myreon Jackson of Denver, Corey Rollerson of Florida, Shawna (Raymon) Rollerson-Williams, Christian Steward and Christymarie Jackson, many great grandchildren, longtime devoted friend and companion, Ella Martinez, cousins, friends and associates. The Jackson family thanks you for all the prayers, support and kindness.