Jackson, Buell F.

Buell F. Jackson, 95, of Mechanicsville, died June 5, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Stanwood, by the Rev. Victor Young. Burial: Stanwood Cemetery. Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence.

Born April 7, 1917, in Fremont Township, Mechanicsville, he was the son of Allan and Bessie (Boots) Jackson. He married Helen Lehrman on Sept. 20, 1939, in Stanwood at age 22. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary last year. Together they operated the family farm while raising their family of five sons.

Buell graduated from Mechanicsville High School in 1934. Raising Hereford cattle was Buell's passion. Buell got into the Hereford business in 1952 when he took over a Hereford herd that was already 62 years old. In fact, the foundation for the herd was laid in 1890 by Buell's grandfather, Frank Jackson, with the first Herefords to come west of the Mississippi. Since 1890, five generations of the Jackson families have continually raised and recorded Hereford cattle in the American Hereford Association. Buell Jackson and Sons now own the oldest Hereford herd west of the Mississippi and perhaps the nation.

Buell was a leader in the Hereford breed and also made a solid contribution to the community. He served as a 4-H leader from 1953-1978; on the local school board from 1967-1976; various roles at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, including chairman from 1962-1988; Cedar County Extension Council from 1966-1976; member of Cedar County Fair Board 10 years, serving as chairman for six years; and active member of the Aid Association for Lutherans since 1967, serving as the AAL Federation president from 1988-1993.

Buell was a charter member of the National Cattleman's Association and a member of the Iowa Hereford Association since 1945, serving as state president and state secretary for many years.

To quote Buell's strong feelings about his role in agriculture he said, “I've been entrusted with the great challenge of not only advancing this herd of cattle, but also being a faithful servant of this farm - its soil and water resources.” He succeeded in reaching his goals.

Buell's memory will be honored by his wife, Helen; five sons, LeRoy of Mechanicsville, Ronald (Debbie) of Marshall, Mo., Gary (Marilyn) of Mechanicsville, Arlen of Mechanicsville and Loren (Lesa) of Pipe Creek, Texas; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Merle and daughter-in-law, Joyce (LeRoy) Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Stanwood.

Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmanfh.com

Published June 7, 2012 in The Gazette