Kenneth Eldon Jackson

Kenneth Eldon Jackson, 82, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was called to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on January 22, 1944, in Norton, Kansas, Ken grew up on the family farm near Norcatur, Kansas and fostered a lifelong commitment to service, education, and community.

After graduating high school, Ken attended McPherson College for two years before embarking on a two-year mission through the Church of the Brethren in Europe, where he contributed efforts in Austria, Slovenia, Germany, and Turkey. Upon returning to the United States, Ken continued his education at Fort Hays State University, graduating with a degree in agriculture, followed by a master's degree in plant pathology from the University of Arkansas.

In 1972, Ken began his career at Oklahoma State University, dedicating himself to field research primarily focused on peanuts and turf until his retirement in January 2004. His passion for agriculture continued as he worked part-time with the USDA on its peanut improvement program, traveling extensively throughout Oklahoma. Ken fondly reflected on his time on the road, reminiscing about how he would pack his clothes back into a suitcase to prepare for yet another week of work.

Ken married Sue Hooker on August 18, 1979, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Ken was an active member of the community, deeply involved in the Bible Baptist Church, where he served on the Missions Committee, ushered, and participated in the Halftime Class. He was known for his hospitality, welcoming numerous BBC summer interns, missionaries during Missions Revivals, and hosting annual College Class Christmas parties and boys from Heartland singing groups. His kindness and generosity have left a lasting impact on many.

He is survived by his sister Karen (Jackson) Cozad, his brother Robert "Bob" and his wife Jan Jackson, children Terry and his wife Carolyn Eskew, Gary and his wife Tina Eskew, and Kent and his wife Jenny Eskew, daughter in law Sharla Eskew. Ken's legacy continues through his grandchildren Christie and her husband Tony Lund, Timothy Eskew, Ryan and his wife Destiny Eskew, Tara and her husband Brian Scott, Colton and his wife Cydney Eskew, Kelly and her husband Nolan Walker, Wesley and his wife Brynn Eskew, Casey and her husband Cody Cross, Duke Eskew, Jordan, and Jose Castillion, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Doris Fae Jackson, his brother-in-law David Cozad, and his son Rodney Eskew.

Pallbearers honored to serve include Terry Eskew, Gary Eskew, Kent Eskew, Wesley Eskew, Duke Eskew, Colton Eskew, and Ryan Eskew.

The funeral service for Kenneth E. Jackson will be held on March 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bible Baptist Church, located at 115 N. Young St., Stillwater, Oklahoma. Following the service, he will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6500 South Perkins Road, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Ken's spirit and unwavering faith have touched many lives, and he will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.