Date of Death: September 25, 2023

Service Details

Visitation will be held Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor James Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. A video of his service is available here.

Obituary Notice

Eldon Douglas Jackson, 73, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 29, 1950, in Three Rivers, the son of Eldon Carl and Betty (Shingledecker) Jackson, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1968.

Eldon worked as a mechanical engineer for 20 years each at Johnson’s and Viking Corp, at Chem Guard and 10 years at Nibco. His expertise was designing high pressure joints and valves for Fire Protection systems, rotary valves and casting design. Further he provided failure analysis, process improvement, and corrective action development and implementation for existing systems. He held 15 patents for the various companies that he worked at during his career. He was a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).

Eldon was an Emergency Medical Technician and fireman for the city of Three Rivers. He then spent a number of years as a fireman in Fabius Township. Following in his father’s footsteps he rose to the rank of Chief for Fabius Township. When he transferred jobs he ended his fire career as an assistant chief for the Hastings Fire Department.

On January 29, 1968 he married Linda Pass, whom he met when they were 15 years old. They were lifelong partners who celebrated 55 years of marriage. They enjoyed camping, golfing, dancing, and traveling throughout the U.S. and the world.

Eldon was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Three Rivers Elks and the Three Rivers Eagles. He was an avid Michigan State Fan; he was a soccer, softball, and basketball coach for his girls’ teams. He also was a rocket football coach for a number of years. He shared his passion for golf with his kids and grandkids.

Eldon’s pride and joy was his family whom he devoted his life to. He was a constant at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and celebrations. Most recently he was able to attend his granddaughter’s wedding.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda Jackson; children, Jennifer (Randy) Huyck, Stephanie (David) Sedlecky, Jessica (Matt) Gahan, and Leslie (Scott Garwick) Willson; grandchildren, Danielle (Matt) Hinman, Chase (Ashlee) Huyck, Cody Huyck, Beau Huyck, David (Taylor) Sedlecky, Cara (Adam) Buckhold, Kiersten (David) Bobeldyk, Zoey (Carter) Todd, Bayne Willson, Garron Gahan, Parker Garwick, Shaleigh Gahan, and Kinsleigh Garwick; six great-grandchildren; sister, Kristine (Don) Shrauger; brother, Ronald Jackson; sisters-in-law, Debra (Jim) Fisher and Mary-Jo (Connie) Pass; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Additional Information

Donations in Eldon’s memory may be directed to the Three Rivers Promise. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Please Leave Your Condolences

When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

19 Comments

  2. We are so sorry to learn of Eldon’s passing. Our Love and condolences for the entire family. His suffering days are now in the arms of the Lord. May he rest forever In peace . We hold on to our great memories and he will be missed.
    Bob and Sandy Trevino

    Reply

  3. Dear Stephanie,

    I don’t think that there are many words of comfort in a time like this, but please remember that you’re being thought of- that we are praying for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

    With love and sympathy,
    Laurie

    Reply

  4. I’m very sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. He was a wonderful boss. I worked with him for several years at Viking. He also came to our lab when he worked at Nibco and we did some testing together. He was like a gentle giant. Very calm and gentle, but you didn’t want to be on his bad side!

    Reply

  5. I’m very sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. Sending strength and prayers to Linda and all the family. I remember Eldon’s subtle humor and quick answers to Linda, always made me laugh. Find peace in your memories and rest in peace, Eldon. You were one of the good ones!

    Reply

  6. So sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing Linda. I have many fond memories of you both as we worked and traveled together for years. I still see the products he designed, his ideas, and his influence throughout Viking as well as in the fire protection industry. A good engineer with a big heart. He is and will be missed.

    Reply

  8. Linda and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My memories of Doug are all joyful …an after work party at Donna s house, being at your home with 4 little girls running around. What a great dad he was. So much love, no one could have a doubt that he loved his family. And Linda, starting out so young with all those doubters around…man, did you show them!!!
    I’ll pray for you every day.
    With love and sympathy , Linda Edwards

    Reply

  9. What an amazing man and legacy ! I only knew him from a distance … as Matts older brother! I lived far away ,so I only knew him from our brief encounters at family events . His calm, peaceful and positive energy was palpable with every interaction ! I wish I could have known him more deeply and definitely for longer ! The world desperately needs more people like him ! Thankfully he lives on in his wife , daughters and grandchildren !

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Post comment