Ralph R. Jackson

OKLAHOMA CITY

Ralph R. Jackson, Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Retired), age 92, passed from this life July 13, 2020 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born September 11, 1927, the son of Thelma Jackson (Guthrey) and Ralph Jackson, on a farm in NE Arkansas. Ralph joined the Navy on his 17th birthday in 1944. He served as a Gunner’s Mate on an LST during the last month of World War II. Serving in the military became the key theme in Ralph’s life. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 and fought in the Korean War, landing at Inchon in September 1950. He progressed through every enlisted rank and was appointed Warrant Officer in December 1951. Ralph became an Army Aviator in 1954 and flew numerous helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for 20 years, amassing nearly 6,000 hours, including over 1,000 combat hours in Vietnam. He was highly decorated, garnering three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with silver star, and 24 Air Medals, while flying in the 1st Cavalry Division. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1973 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Ralph is survived by his wife Shirley of the home; son Dr. Michael Jackson of Lawton, OK; daughters Phyllis Schrantz of Grand Prairie, TX and Tracy Schrantz of Cumming, GA; step-daughter Gloria Brewer of OKC; seven wonderful and loving grandchildren, two amazing great-grandchildren, and a lot of friends and Comrades. Visitation for Ralph is 2:00pm - 8:00pm, Fri., July 17, 2020, at Resthaven Funeral Home. Services to honor Ralph’s life are 2:00pm, Sat., July 18, 2020, at the Chapel at Resthaven. Condolences may be shared at www.ResthavenOKC.com