Obituary Detail
June 16, 2026
Donald Gordon Jackson, Jr., Age:80
Donald Gordon Jackson Jr., 80, of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully
at home on June 16, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
Born on December 15, 1945, in Pensacola, Florida, Don was the son of
Donald Gordon Jackson Sr., a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander who was
killed in a military aircraft accident while serving his country in
October 1955. Following his father’s death, Don was raised in
Jacksonville, Florida, where his mother, Charme Benson Kirby, married
Jacksonville attorney Malcolm Kirby in 1957.
As a teenager, Don played in the nationally recognized DuPont High
School band and developed a lifelong interest in amateur radio,
electronics, and technology. He went on to attend the University of
Florida, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
Don built a successful career in the Dallas area, beginning with Texas
Instruments in 1967. After several years, he departed to join colleagues
in founding ResaLabs. From there, he moved on to hold leadership and
engineering roles at Aleph Incorporated and Sci Comm/Andrew Corporation
from which he retired at the age of 60.
Outside of work, Don was known for his enthusiasm, curiosity, and active
lifestyle. He was an avid pickleball player for many years and enjoyed
playing volleyball for decades. A dedicated amateur radio operator, he
was active in the Collins Collectors Association, serving as Technical
Editor and major contributor of articles to The Signal, the
association’s quarterly publication. He remained deeply involved in
the amateur radio community throughout his life.
In recognition of his many contributions to his neighborhood and
community, he received the SpringPark Homeowners Association Volunteer
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Don is survived by his spouse, Shirley Meurer; his daughter, Patti-Lynn
Walker and her husband, Troy Walker, of Dripping Springs, Texas; his
son, Donald Gordon “Donny” Jackson III and his wife, Terese Jackson,
of New Berlin, Wisconsin; and his three grandsons, Greg Jackson of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jackson Walker of Brooklyn, New York, and Pierce
Walker of Dripping Springs, Texas.
He will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and encouragement,
as well as the positive impact he had on the many people whose lives he
touched.
In keeping with Don’s wishes, no formal memorial service or
celebration of life will be held. He asked that family and friends
remember him in their own way and cherish the many happy memories they
shared together.
Condolences
Liz Mosier June 24, 2026
Friend Plano , Texas
Shirley, Patti, Donnie and family, My condolences on your loss. Don was truly a good human being. You are in my prayers.
Jeff MacDowell June 26, 2026
Neighbor Garland , Texas
I lived across the creek from Don for 25 years. Great neighbor and a very good man; smart, humble, measured, solid. Don loved his radios and I had seen his antenna having grown up near ham radio operators. I installed a air cleaning devices in my HVAC systems and Don was suddenly experiencing lots of interference in his radios. Don came over, calmly asked me if I had recently changed anything. We were both engineers so we discussed it like engineers do. We tested it, together as a team, not as property adversaries. We determined the cause. I suggested I install internet-enabled electrical outlets that Don could control from his house and turn off/on when he was using his radios. They worked like a charm. Problem solved without drama or Facebook. RIP Don, I will miss your smile and wave as you drive by in your BMW.
Pauline Gidney June 26, 2026
Friend Garland , Texas
Shirley and family, I am so sorry to hear about Don. He will certainly be missed in the neighborhood. Blessings to you all. Pauline Gidney
Francesco Ledda June 29, 2026
Friend Canton , Texas
I had the fortune to meet Don more than ten years ago. Don was a gentle, thoughtful and loyal friend. Amateur radio and Collins Radio was the common thread in our friendship. My sincere condolences to his family! I will miss you Don!
