Melchisedec Jackson

Obituary of Melchisedec Jackson

Melchisedec Jackson, 69, of Amarillo died Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday in Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, 325 Oak Drive, with the Rev. E.B. Demerson, pastor, officiating and Elder Willie Jackson as eulogist. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St.

Mel was born July 17, 1946, in Brooksville, Okla., to Mel and Lillie Jackson. He attended elementary school in Brooksville. The family later moved to Altus, Okla., where he attended Lincoln School. After graduation, Mel joined the Marines. While serving his country in Vietnam, Mel received a Purple Heart and several other medals. Mel returned to Altus, where he was the first black meter reader.

Mel moved to Amarillo and retired from Asarco after 30 years. After retirement, he worked at Hilltop Senior citizens, volunteering with Meals on Wheels until his death. He married Martha Jean Howard on Nov. 14, 1987. Together they raised three beautiful children. He was a hard-
working man who loved being with family and friends. Mel was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was known by many as the man who loved hats. He loved God and attended Galilee Church of God In Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ozetta Smith; and a grandchild, Corlissa Dixon.

Survivors include his loving wife, Martha Jean; three children, Corey and wife Lisa Dixon, Alicia and husband Robby Shepherd and Jahmel Jackson, all of Amarillo; six brothers, Leroy and wife Laura Jackson of Joplin, Mo., Bobby and wife Zelma Jackson of Midwest City, Okla., Lonnie and wife Lanessa Jackson of Altus, Ariz., Henry Jackson of Oklahoma City and James and wife Brenda Jackson and Willie and Robbie Jackson, all of Amarillo; four sisters, Marie Johnson of Fort Worth, Bettie Nubine of Altus, Okla., and Maudie and husband John Chandler and Delois and husband Kermiet Baker, all of Amarillo; a brother-in-law, Lamont Smith of Amarillo; six grandchildren, Courtney, Azurae, Meliyah, Corey Jr., Marcus and Carl; a host of relatives and friends; and Sheila Edwards, whom he cared for like his daughter.