Robert Jackson

Robert Allen Jackson was tragically taken from this Earth on July 28, 2014, in an automobile accident in Amarillo, Texas. He was 75 years old.
Robert was born Sept. 28, 1938, in Great Bend, the son of Benjamin Saylor and Grace (Uppendahl) Jackson. Robert grew up in Yates Center, attending Yates Center Schools and graduating with the Class of 1956.
After high school Robert began Jackson Tire Company, working with his father and brother, Francis. Robert fully took over the business in 1990 and ran it until his retirement in 2001. In 1960 Robert entered the United States National Guard and served until 1966. Shortly after, on April 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Karleen (Wells) and they were blessed with a daughter Kylie on June 6, 1984. While working for the tire company, Robert also drove a school bus for Woodson County USD 366, worked for Ferree Pipe Supply and was also rural fire chief for Woodson County for 19 years. Also, around 2010, Robert began driving for the Yates Center Senior Center’s Transportation Department and continued to drive until 2013.
Robert was very involved with his community. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce for six years, started the first  Avenue of Flags at the Yates Center Cemetery and was a part of the Woodson County Fire Department for 40 years. He was a recent recipient of a 50 Year Pin of the Order of the Eastern Star, served as the Worthy Patron for a year and was going to receive his 50 Year Pin for Gilead Lodge 144 this year. He also served as a Master of the Lodge for three years. Robert was also a member of the Mirza Shriner’s Temple for a number of years and he was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
Besides all of his involvement in Yates Center and the surrounding areas Robert also had his own hobbies and interests. Many can truly say that Robert never met a stranger; he was always ready to engage in conversation whether he knew you or not, and he sincerely liked visiting with anyone and everyone. He played cards often and enjoyed singing with his loving wife, Karleen. Robert loved his family. Their get-togethers were one of his favorite places to be. He also loved to travel and the family’s recent trip was a great blessing and a wonderful time for him.
Robert Allen Jackson was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karleen (Wells), of the home in Yates Center; his loving daughter, Kylie, Emporia; a brother, Francis Jackson and wife Ellen, Yates Center; a sister, Brenda Kunkel, West Branch, Iowa; his in-laws, Carl Wells and wife Carolyn, Rose Hill, Carol Vetello, Logansport, Ind., Martha Stanford and husband Dale, Thayer, Mo., Lucinda “Red” Wells, Margaret Smith, Delores Kee and husband Butch, Judy Cupe and Lonnie, all of Yates Center, and Tony Wells, Grand Junction, Colo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services are planned for 1:30 p.m. today at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Yates Center. Burial with Masonic rites will follow in Yates Center Cemetery. The family met with friends Friday at Campbell Funeral Home, Yates Center. The family suggests memorials to Friends for Life of Yates Center. Please send in care of Campbell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 188, Yates Center, KS 66783.