Gene E. Jackson

Gene Jackson was born on May 17, 1930, to Riley and Hazel Harris Jackson in Beaumont, Texas and died on October 25, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Gene attended French High School in Beaumont and graduated in 1949. Gene was a cheerleader along with his sister Martha. Gene and Martha were always extremely close and talked weekly and remained very close, until Martha’s death in 2018. After Martha’s death, Gene remained in close contact with Debbie, they spoke weekly on the phone. Even as he grew weaker, in his last days, with Nick’s help, he telephoned and spoke briefly with Debbie.

Gene joined the Navy soon after graduating from high school, he proudly served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1954. After returning from the Navy, Gene went to Lamar College of Technology from 1954-1957 and was a Graphic Design major. He also worked for Gulf States Utilities while completing his studies at Lamar. Gene went on to study at Columbia University in New York City obtaining a bachelor’s degree in advertising and graphic design in 1958. Gene later obtained a master’s degree of Fine Art from Northern Illinois University in1964. He taught for a short time in Elizabeth, New Jersey at an all-girls school and later taught art at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. Gene retired after teaching at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville from 1964 until 1990. Through the years Gene’s paintings and various art pieces have been exhibited all over Texas, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, and South Dakota.

While still in high school in Beaumont and later at Lamar, Gene participated in a variety of plays and theatre productions either as a member of the cast or as a set designer. He once played President Roosevelt in a production of Annie at the University Theatre Center in Huntsville, and the reviews mentioned Gene, for a fine portrayal of President Roosevelt.

Gene loved to travel and went on many trips throughout the United States, Europe, the far east, and Russia in his lifetime. He also enjoyed taking an occasional cruise. He enjoyed the art museums, city sights and local history.

After his retirement Gene built the model train layout that is displayed at the Heritage Museum in Woodville. A layout he created is exhibited at the South Dakota Railroad Museum in Hill City, South Dakota. Gene loved to bring visitors to see these amazing train layouts. His attention to detail and love of art, show throughout these historical displays of life in earlier days. After his retirement, Gene also volunteered at the Heritage Museum in Woodville, and at The Journey Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota. Gene remained diligent with his love of art and sketching until the last days of his life, with Nick sending sketches to Debbie as recent as a couple of weeks before his death.

Gene was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapid City South Dakota.

Gene is survived by a niece, Debbie Andrus and husband Tommy; great niece, Angela Turner and husband Bryan; great-great niece and nephews, Joshua, Morgan and Tyler. Gene is also survived by longtime best friend and companion Nick Lucas. Gene was pre-deceased by his parents and beloved sister, Martha Jackson Lester.

Gene had a host of very good friends in Rapid City, South Dakota that were wonderfully kind and helpful during the last months of his life.