Merlin E. Jackson, 95, of Colfax, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Colfax Health and Rehab. Merlin was born on March 11, 1921, in rural New Auburn to Ellis and Cora (Bellingham) Jackson. On October 6, 1943, Merlin married Bessie Williams in Menomonie, and raised 3 sons, Harold, Butch and Jim. For over 20 years, Merlin served in the US Army. During WWII, he worked as a mechanic on B17's in England. During the Korean War, Merlin ran the Signal Supply Depot in Ingee Pass. He also served in Vietnam and was on a ship in Inchon Harbor repairing downed helicopters. Merlin retired from the Army in 1967 and began teaching mechanics at the Job Corps Center at Laona, WI for 12 years. He ended his career in Oregon as a facilities manager in Toketee Ranger District. He moved to Colfax in 1983. He was an avid sportsman his whole life and loved all kinds of hunting. His greatest victory was getting a hole-in-one at Whitetail Golf Course. Merlin is survived by his wife of 72 ½ years, Bessie; three sons, Harold (Judy) Jackson of Fall Creek, Butch (Lynda) Jackson of Colfax and Jim (Pam) Jackson of Colfax; five grandchildren, Harold Jr. (Joyce), Brian, Cale (Gretchen), Heather (Joshua), and Jessica; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kassandra, Noelle, Reagan and Violet; special friends, Dan and Dort Lee; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Emmette, Beulah, Conrad and Leonard. The family would like to thank Merlin's foster parents, Alvin and Alta Shafer. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Colfax United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Sampson Funeral Home in Colfax, and again one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax, with military honors conducted by the Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131.

Service Information

Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery 603 County Road M. Colfax WI

Visitation

Wednesday, April 27 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sampson Funeral Home 1017 East Railroad Avenue Colfax WI 54730

Funeral Service

Thursday, April 28 2016 11:00 AM

Colfax Methodist Church 501 Cedar St. Colfax WI 54730