Jackson DeFrees

JACKSON TUTTLE DEFREES

Marion

Jackson Tuttle DeFrees, 78, passed away at his home in Marion, Iowa, on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, entering the Pearly Gates with awe in his eyes exactly as he had looked forward to, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Community Baptist Church of Marion with Pastor Darin Ulmer officiating. Interment to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of the Last Supper.

Jackson was born Feb. 16, 1943, in Oneida, N.Y. He was the son of the late Donald and Norma (Spicer) DeFrees. On Sept. 18, 1987, Jackson married Linda Marie (Christophersen) Ridenour in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was humble and a man of great faith who was a friend and mentor to many. He loved his God and his church and especially enjoyed singing tenor in the choir. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Summit Pointe Senior Living for several years running until he jokingly asked them to give someone else a chance. He was the "fun" grandpa who always had time for a game of Washers, Checkers or even "Old Maid." He spent many hours in his garage woodworking, designed many family heirlooms, and his caring and imaginative mind solved many a problem.

Those left to cherish Jackson's memory are his wife, Linda; his daughters, Lisa (Glen) Osborne and Jennifer (Roger) Jansen; and his sons, Brian (Cherie) Ridenour and Mark DeFrees; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Caroline Beglen and Annette (Gary) Fults. Jackson was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donna (William) Anderson and Jonathan DeFrees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Community Baptist Church of Marion.