Lanoy Owen Jackson

Lanoy Owen Jackson, 80, of Mineral Wells, Texas passed from earth to Heaven on Sunday, August 2.
 
Lanoy was born at home in Squaw Mountain, Jack County, Texas on August 31, 1934. His childhood was spent hunting and exploring the community founded by his great grandfather, grandfather and three uncles. Lanoy spent days at Antelope School and afternoons and free time hunting, trapping and exploring the land. During free time, Lanoy could be found pitching and catching for area baseball teams, or playing basketball. Lanoy's high school basketball team made two appearances at the state playoffs, but it was baseball that brought him area fame. Lanoy and cousin Billy Ray Jackson were a well known competitive pair of ball players. Lanoy would catch for Billy Ray and Billy Ray would catch for Lanoy. Lanoy's glove is on display at the Antelope School Museum.
 
Forged by the hard times of the depression, Lanoy was ever the entrepreneur. His senior year in High School he opened a gas station across from Antelope School. During school hours his parents, Dal and Oma, would assist in running the store allowing Lanoy to complete his education. He graduated in 1952. A few years after graduation Lanoy received a greetings from Uncle Sam. Lanoy sold the business and entered the Army.
 
Lanoy finished his service and began a new career with Bridwell Oil Company, only to be called back into service during the Bay of Pigs in 1961. After another year in service, Lanoy was back at Bridwell Oil Company where he worked leases and played on the company baseball team.
 
Lanoy's friendships and acquaintances in the oil industry eventually led to a new career in trucking that lasted until his retirement in 2001. Lanoy established L.O. Jackson Trucking Company in 1964. The Company was well known for its fleet of turquoise Diamond Rio trucks. The trucks’ color was inspired by a dress worn by Thelma Jackson, Lanoy's wife.
 
L.O. Jackson Trucking Company helped with the expansion of interstates, highways and business development in the D/FW and Houston areas almost 40 years. L.O. Jackson's Trucks helped with the expansion of I-20, I-30, I-35, parts of I-45 and the development of Ridgmar Mall, Hulen Mall and the major shopping centers surrounding both malls.
 
Lanoy was grateful for the blessings brought to him and so he in turn was able to help others. When word would reach him of a need, he was there to assist with groceries, rent, utility and car payments, money for needed repairs to a home and at times the shirt off his back.
 
To escape the demands of a growing business, Lanoy could be found working various projects around his home, hunting with friends, or enjoying fun days with his family.
 
Lanoy retired from the trucking business in 2001 and began painting in his art studio and formulating new projects for the home.
Lanoy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Thelma Nava Jackson and their children Sheila Jackson Nava, Joanna Morgan Stults and her husband Bill of Weatherford, Frank Morgan and wife Glynda Cantrell Morgan of Weatherford, Karen Morgan of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Julie Jackson Worcester and husband Harris Worcester of Wortham, Texas. 
 
Lanoy is also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren Brian and Chelsi Newson and their children Justin, Brighton and Lance, Scott and Debra Newsom; Amanda and Nick Lovelace and their children Perry, Miranda, Leland and Dalton; Brittany Nava Stewart and Clay Stewart and son Bryceton; Melissa Morgan Springfield and Chance Springfield and their children Ezra and Nahum; Jonathan Morgan, Jason and Jennifer Morgan and their daughter Aubrey; Tristan, Elysia and Angus Worcester.
 

Pastor Marsha McDonald, Rev. Harris Worcester and Julie Worcester will officiate a memorial service for Lanoy Owen Jackson on Friday, August 14, at  2:00 pm, Cool Assembly of God. Interment will be at Lynn Creek Cemetery, Squaw Mountain, Jack County, Texas.