Mr. Richard L. Jackson, 84, of East Galesburg, Illinois, died at 11:51 a.m. Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 5, 1942, in Quincy, Illinois, to Leon H. and Zelma D. (Kendrick) Jackson. He married Linda L. Mackey on November 18, 1960, in Galesburg. She survives.
Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Linda L. Jackson of East Galesburg; a son, Rick (and Deena) Jackson of Knoxville, Illinois; two daughters, Ginnie (and Dennis) Bailey and Melissa (and Dean) Bailey, both of Knoxville; two brothers, Terry (and Lorma) Jackson of Rio, Illinois, and Kenneth (and Sue) Jackson of Galesburg; two sisters, May Ostrander of Petersburg, Illinois, and Doris Swise of Fairview, Illinois; ten grandchildren, Brandon Bailey, Marcus Bailey, Bobby Lee, Tyler Lee, Bradley Lee, Nick Bailey, Justin Bailey, Mason Jackson, Craig Milan, and Corey Milan; twelve great-grandchildren, Lexi Lee, Tucker Lee, Joselynne Lee, Ava Rickord, Josh Rickord, Jackson Lee, Tayah Milan, Aizaic Milan, McCaiden Milan, Theodore Milan, Naya Milan, and Ena Milan; and a great-great-granddaughter, Onalayah.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, George Jackson, Johnny (his wife, Jane) Jackson, Gene Jackson, and Bob Jackson; and three sisters, Betty (and her husband, Bob) Chase, Patricia (and her husband, Clarence) Bishop, and Janet Johnson.
Richard loved farming and took great pride in working the land. He later worked as a cement finisher for Fox Construction and was a member of Local Union #538 in the Galesburg area for more than 30 years. He retired in 2007. He was also a member of the East Galesburg Community Chapel.
Known by many as “Mr. Fix It,” Richard had a gift for repairing just about anything. Whether it was electrical work, plumbing, or something else that needed fixing, he was always ready to lend a hand. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the river, as well as camping, fishing, and hunting. Richard also had a love of music and played the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his family and treasured the many memories they made together.
As Richard requested, cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Knoxville American Legion. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Illinois Cancer Care in Galesburg. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
