Preston M. Jackson, 81

MIDDLETOWN - Preston M. Jackson, of Middletown, passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington. He was 81.

Born Dec. 13, 1926, in Ocean City, Md., Mr. Jackson was the son of the late William M. and Bertha M. (Tubbs) Jackson.

He proudly served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany with the military police, serving as a guard to the military hospital.

Following his discharge from the military, Mr. Jackson pursued his life's passion to work with horses. His life revolved around his love for his work and horses.

Prior to his retirement in 2000, he worked at Delaware Park, where he enjoyed the excitement of the racetrack.

Mr. Jackson's work as a groomer afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively with many horse trainers throughout the United States.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley (Burchard) Jackson, in 1979; and a brother, James Cherricks.

He is survived by two sisters, Edna Speorl and her husband Carl of Newark and Linda Spiezio and her husband Mike of Millsboro; and a brother, Robert Jackson of Wilmington.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where family and friends may call one hour prior to service.

Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Jackson's memory to Newark Baptist Church, 6011 Telegraph Road, Elkton, MD 21921.