Obituary: Ron Jackson

Ron Jackson, 63

Memorial services for Ronald Jackson, 63, will be held at 10:00 AM, Sat., Feb. 3, 2024 at the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ with Pastor Don Thomas officiating. Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 in honor of Ronald Jackson.

Ronald LeDean Jackson, known to virtually everyone as Ron or Rondo, was born Sept. 20, 1960 in Hobbs, NM to the home of Oleta (Brown) and Richard Jackson, and died Jan. 24, 2024 in Lubbock, TX. Ron's family moved from Texico, NM to Portales before his freshman year in high school. Ron played tight end for the Portales Rams football team. He graduated with the class of 1979. After graduation, Ron served in the United States Army for four years. When he returned home, he was employed at Herbert Lumber and Parkway Grocery until David Stone hired him in 1990 to work at Portales National Bank. Ron's career lasted 34 years. He worked his way up from running errands to the position of Vice President, a position he held until his death.

On Mar. 22, 1997 in Portales, Ron was married to Cheri Robison. Ron continued his avid love for sports throughout his lifetime. He was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, regardless of whether they were having a good season or bad. When they played their last game in the old stadium, he was there with his family. Besides football, he enjoyed watching any type of sporting event from golf to Nascar racing. For several years Ron oversaw the Portales City Sports Leagues. He coached his two children in football, basketball and baseball. He loved softball, and not only played for as long as he was able, but he managed the Portales Softball Association for many years.

Ron was very civic minded, and always wanted to promote Portales. He served on the City Council for 12 years until his son, Drew was in high school, stepping down to be able to attend his many ball games. For the past six years, he served as Mayor until his health forced him to resign as of Dec. 31, 2023.

Ron was a people person. He had nicknames for virtually everyone that was close to him. He was a man of his word and always followed through on commitments. Although he had accomplished a great deal in his lifetime, he was a humble man, who would not hesitate to apologize or admit he was in the wrong. Ron had a great sense of humor; he was always making people laugh. He was an amazing cook. Ron loved to work in the yard and garden. He was a man of varied interests and talents.

He is survived by Cheri, his wife of 27 years of their home; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Matthew Pietrowski of Santa Fe and his son, Drew Jackson of Portales; one grandson, John Pietrowski and another grandchild expected in August; two brothers, Rick Jackson and wife, Lila of Albuquerque and Roger Jackson and wife, Florence of Clovis; and two sisters, Rhonda Ray of Clovis and Larrisa Okeson and her companion, Ronnie Hale of Canyon, TX. Ron was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. 575-356-4455, wheelermortuary.net