Donald Lee Jackson

Col. Donald L. Jackson

Don Jackson died Friday, August 16th, 2024, in Montrose Memorial Hospital. Born on May 12th, 1941, in Olathe, Colorado, to Raymond Jackson and Savannah Robertson Jackson. In the spring of 1943, the family purchased the small farm just east of Olathe where Don grew up. He attended Olathe Grade School and graduated from Olathe High School.

After initially attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, Donald returned to Olathe to work in road construction and study at Mesa College for two years. From 1962 to 1963, Donald worked for the Highway Dept. building the bridges on the Blue Mesa Dam.

Don returned to Colorado State University where he graduated with a degree in business administration. 

Don and his dad partnered up driving long haul trucking, until he got his draft notice. He decided to join the Air Force. Since he had a college degree, he was eligible for officers training.

Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant in 1967, Donald Jackson began his career as an air weapons controller serving in various locations, Ellington AF Base, TX, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, back to Ellington AF Base, TX Kingsley Field, Oregon.

In March 1972 Don began transitioning to budget and comptroller roles. Beginning at Hurlburt Field, FL He was then assigned to Torrejon Air Base, Spain. His next assignment took him to Air University Maxwell AF base Alabama. In 1980 he returned to air weapons controller was assigned to the Directorate of Air Apace management at Osan Air Base, Korea. Then to comptroller of Air Defense Weapons at Tyndall AF Base, FL. His exemplary service earned his units numerous accolades, including "Best in Air Force" and "Best in TAC" awards. His decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Don’s final assignment involved transportation coordination for Desert Storm. He retired from the Air Force in 1993.

Donald Jackson is survived by his sister, Carol Jackson Dunkel of Elk Grove, CA, and her son, Jody D. Dunkel of Sacramento, CA; his niece, Lisa A. Jackson of Rio Rancho, NM, daughter of his deceased brother, George Edward Jackson; and her son, Elijah C. MacLeod of Panama City, FL.

Don was an avid supporter and donator of Colorado State Athletic Department.

The memorial will be at the Crippin Funeral Home at 802 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401 on Wednesday, August 21st, at 1:00PM. The burial will be at Olathe Cemetery.