Melvin S. Jackson, Sr, age 77, died Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at his home in Dardanelle. He
was born May 24, 1945, in London, AR. to the late Everett B. and Nettie (Kinslow) Jackson.
He graduated from Russellville High School, Class of 1962 and was an Honor Graduate of Dallas
Institute-Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science and recipient of Presidents Award in 1966.
He was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu National Morticians Fraternity. He has been a licensed
Embalmer and Funeral Director for 56 years, entering the funeral profession in October of
1963, serving thousands of families over the course of his career. He was a former Pope County
Coroner also serving as a Deputy Coroner for many years. He was a former Assistant Director of
the Pope County Civil Defense (now Pope County OES), serving under Dave Sacrey, Sr. He was
the last of the five founding members of the Pope County Search and Marine Rescue (now OES
Search and Rescue), serving as director and coordinator for over 20 years. He was a former
Pope County Red Cross Volunteer for over 20 years serving as First Aid and CPR instructor for
many years, Coordinator of service to Military Families, Coordinator of Water Safety and Swim
Program, and served many years as Chapter Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He taught First Aid and CPR courses to the first attendants of the Pope County Ambulance
Service when it was first established and served as a volunteer attendant until the service was
financially able to employ enough paid personnel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and five sisters-in-law, James E. “Jay” and
Betty Jackson, Robert and Dimple Jackson, Leonard Leon Jackson, Jodie and Naomi Jackson,
Clarence “Gene” Jackson, Earl and Ruby Jackson, and Carolyn Woods Jackson. One sister and
brother-in-law, Mary and Donald Rogers. Two nephews, Robert “Robbie” Jackson and Timothy
Wayne Jackson. One niece, Mary Kay Price.
He is survived by his loving Wife, Bobbie Sue Esch Jackson, of Dardanelle, a son and daughter-
in-law, Melvin S. Jackson, Jr. and Heidi Jackson, of Dardanelle. Two daughters and one son-in-
law, Angela New of Dover and Margaret and Mike Standridge, of Hector. 10 grandchildren,
Brent New and wife Brittany, Blake New and wife Andy, Jacob Jackson, Landon Philips, Jackson
Phillips, Mikayla Standridge, Skip Standridge, Justin Standridge and wife Sadra, Levi Standridge
and wife Tasha, and Cassie Taylor. Nine great-grandchildren. Two brothers and one sister-in-
law, Elmer D. Jackson, of Russellville and Rev. Claude and Francis Jackson, of Russellville and
several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 6-8 PM at Lemley Funeral Service.
Funeral will be Friday, November 11, 2022, at 2PM in the Chapel, with Aaron Duvall and the
Rev. Dean Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park in
Russellville.
Pallbearers will be Don Johnson, Mack Hayden, Philip Baker, Ron Greer, Tony Rankin, and Jacob
Jackson.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Charlie Martin, James Blalock, George Gillum, Charles Bragg, Ken
Smith, Ormand Peters, Glen Masters, Jim Lemley, and Chris Lemley.