Richard Arthurs Jackson

Richard "Dick" Arthurs Jackson, 88, of Altoona, died Saturday morning at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus. He was born in Juniata, a son of the late Ross Edward and Grace Irene (Arthurs) Jackson. He married Marjorie Grace Sands on May 3, 1942. Surviving are his loving wife, Marjorie, of 67 years, two sons: Richard and wife Linda of Altoona, Steven and wife Joey of Altoona, four daughters, Patti Marshall and husband Tom of Altoona, Jan Gority and husband Mike of Altoona, Shirley Cronin and husband Chuck of Murrysville, PA and Tina Maze and husband Joe of Cranberry, Pa, 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Bernard Jackson and one sister, Mabel Muntwyler. Dick retired as a General Yardmaster from Conrail on July 4, 1981, after 40 years service. He was a member of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, and a former member of Sinking Valley Country Club and Sylvan Hills Golf Club. He was a charter member of the Juniata V. F. W. Post 8685. He was also a member of the American Legion, Swiss Rifle Club, The Bavarian Aid Society, Disabled American Veterans, and a committee member of the Altoona Railroaders Museum where he contributed his time, property and valuable information for the opening of the museum. He was a veteran of World War II, and served with the 29th Infantry Division. He was awarded three service stars for the invasion of France, Normandy and the Rhineland. He was wounded twice and was awarded two purple hearts, a bronze star, ETO service ribbon, a bronze arrow head, good conduct medal and expert rifle marksman award. In 2002, Dick received a diploma from the French Government thanking him for liberating them from the Germans. While in England preparing for the invasion of France, he formed a quartet and performed for many military and civilian functions which he enjoyed. Dick will be remembered for his quick wit and great sense of humor and his love and devotion to God and his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Friends will be received from 1-4 & 6-9pm Monday, July 13, 2009, and 9:30 to 10:30am Tuesday, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., Juniata, where a Vigil for the deceased will be held at 8pm Monday. A funeral mass will be held at 11am Tuesday, at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, by Rev. D. Timothy Grimme. Committal at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juniata VFW #8685for their community charitable events in Dick's name.