Gregory Jackson

Gregory A. Jackson "Poppy", 65, of Van Wert, passed away at 4:18 AM on June 01, 2021 at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born on October 02, 1955, in Van Wert, to his late parents, Alfred Jackson and Alice (Stegaman) Bell. On December 29, 1973, he married the love of his life, Vickie Beard, who passed away in 1984.

Greg proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion and an avid supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Lincolnview Lancers, and the Middle Point Ballpark, where he tended the fields and mowed the grass. Greg was a shopper, and would sneak away and spend hours doing so. He never knew a stranger and would take in anyone in need.

After his wife passed away at a young age, Greg became both mother and father to his children and according to them he was awesome at both. They could not have asked for a better role model. His family was very important to him and his grandchildren were his whole world. He loved them more than life itself. Poppy, as he was affectionately known, was always present at his grandkids events, no matter how far away, and he cherished the many vacations he was fortunate enough to take with them. Greg will be missed and forever remembered by those who loved him most.

Surviving are his children: Angel (Jeremy) Stevens of Van Wert; Greg Jackson Jr. of Defiance; step father, Jim Bell, of Van Wert; brother, Jack (Debbie) Jackson of Van Wert; sister, Carol (Barry) Crowle of North Carolina; and grandchildren: Addysen, Carter and Emme Stevens; Hayden Marsee, Delanei and Reide Jackson.

In addition to his wife and parents, Greg was preceded in death by his sisters: Pam Longstreth and Barb Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with Rev. Stuart Wyatt, officiating. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery where military honors will be rendered by the combined units of the Van Wert VFW and American Legion.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gregory`s memory may be sent to the family for the continued education of the grandchildren.

To share in Gregory's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart@gmail.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.