Leslie “Les” Robert Jackson, age 69, of Hot Springs, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019. He was born on October 5, 1949 in Oden, Arkansas, the son of Robert Jackson and Ethel Leonard Jackson. Les was preceded by both parents; infant sister, Daisey Jackson; sister, Hazel Jackson; one brother, Leon Jackson; and who he also considered a father, Richard Poe.
Growing up along the banks of the Ouachita River, Les was always an adventurous young man, spending many hours fishing, floating the river and exploring the hills and hollers near his boyhood home, with his ever protector, “Buster” his dog. Growing up in a very loving Christian home, he, along with his parents and brother, were strong supporters of their home church in Pencil Bluff. Being a natural athlete, Les excelled in sports while attending Oden High School, earning a chance to play college baseball at Henderson State University.
Instead, Les chose to enter the work force, working with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Weyerhaeuser, before beginning his employment Smith’s Whetstones of Hot Springs and starting a family with Pat. Les continued to live his life as a servant to others, continuing his support of his church family, but also in the community where he provided guidance and support to the multitude of young athletes as a coach for their softball and baseball teams. Always serving as a positive role model for everyone he would encounter, his goal was to serve as a “light” for those in “darkness,” seeking a better way of life.
After retirement, Les continued to serve in a number of area ministries in serving others, While We’re Waiting: Faith-Based Retreats for Bereaved Parents and Hot Springs Baptist Church Community Outreach Programming. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pat Dougan Jackson of Hot Springs; son Rob Jackson of Hot Springs; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and David Maleski of Mena; four grandchildren, Michael Miller, Madison Miller, Cecelia Maleski, Tessa and Daniel Ewing; two sisters, Varine Carr and Lois Standridge of Mount Ida, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of wonderful friends. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Hot Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Manley Beasley and Reverend Mike Smith officiating.
Burial will follow in Amerson Cemetery, Pencil Bluff. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday evening at Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Pallbearers will be: Larry Carr, Maurice Carr, Phillip Carr, Larry Brown, John Hackney and Bill Jackson.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: While We’re Waiting: Faith-Based Retreats for Bereaved Parents, the Ed Burgess Sunday School Class, Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn and his staff, and Lloyd Robertson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “While We’re Waiting”, website: www. whilewerewaiting.org/, address While We’re Waiting, P.O. Box 22823, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 or CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, Arkansas 72215.
Guest registry at www. davis-smith.com.
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