Biography

William (Bill) Robertson Jackson, 84, Joplin, died November 24, 2009, at Freeman Hospital. He was born April 20, 1925, in Joplin, MO to Walter L. Jackson and Marguerite L. (Robertson) Jackson. Bill grew up in Joplin, graduating from Joplin High School in 1943. He was drafted and volunteered for parachute school. He was in the 82nd Airborne. Bill was in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945 where he was seriously wounded. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

After serving his country he graduated from the University of Missouri. He worked for the Rand Corporation in the northeast. He later moved to California, where he worked for GTE until he retired. In December 1966 he married Betty Barker Maillard of Joplin. Bill is survived by his sister, Jane Ross; step-granddaughter, Aimee Maillard Herndon of Eastover, S.C.; two nieces, Susan Ross Genisio of Neosho, and Sandra Ross Howell of McHenry, IL. He also had a number of cousins who were very dear to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, a step-son Charles Augustus (Mike) Maillard, and a niece Sherrill Ross Maillard McCleery. He also has a life-long friend, Viga Hall of California, and six very wonderful caregivers.

Arrangement for cremation was under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. Services for William will be held Saturday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church with Father Frank Sierra officiating. Bill and his niece Sherril McCleery will be interned in the church columbarium.

Memorial Service

Saturday December 12, 2009, 11;00 am at St. Philip's Episcopal Church
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