Maurice Jackson

Maurice Jackson (known as Reece to those closest to him) was born March 8, 1938, in Tahoka, Texas to Lawrence and Nora Jackson. Maurice trusted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized as a child. On Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age 86, Maurice met his Lord, Savior, and Redeemer at the gates of Heaven, and was reunited with his son, Lanny, son-in-law, Leo, and grandson, Carter.

 In 1952, Maurice met Patsy Jane Young, the only girl for him, in the youth group at O’Donnell First Baptist Church. They joined their lives in marriage on July 11, 1958, in the church where they met, raised their children, and worshipped and served their Lord. Maurice and Patsy were faithful to each other for 66 years.

 Maurice attended O’Donnell public schools until he was 17 years old when he chose the world of work over academics and sports and joined his dad in hauling cotton seed and maze in Draw, Texas. Maurice left his dad’s truck driving business in 1959 when he was lured into the propane business by Willie White in O’Donnell. Maurice and Patsy moved from their tiny house in Draw, where they hauled water from the cistern to the house, to another very modest home in O’Donnell (with indoor water).

 Maurice and Patsy owned and operated O’Donnell Oil and Butane Company, Incorporated, on the corner of Doak and 7th Streets, one of the only remaining full-service gas stations in Texas, where, even today, customers have their gas pumped, tires and oil checked, and windshield cleaned while never leaving their vehicle. In partnership with Harold Moore, they purchased the original 1927 Phillips 66 A-frame cottage from Roy Evertt in 1968. The Jacksons bought out their partner’s stock in 1970 and the property in 1972. In addition to the full-servicing of vehicles, tire sales and repair, and fuel deliveries to farms, the business continues to serve as the 6 a.m. local gathering place for farmers and other coffee drinkers. As described by the Texas Country Reporter, Bob Phillips, “This man’s service station is a flashback to a simpler, friendlier time.”

 Maurice worked 12 or more hours each day, six days a week and only closed the business on Sundays and Christmas Day. He did not take vacations with the exception of a few Amistad fishing trips with buddies. Maurice possessed an enviable work ethic, was principled in his business practices, served God by serving others, and modeled all this for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Maurice and Patsy loved their partnership in serving their customers and the farming community in O’Donnell for 56 years. Alongside them for 50 years was their dedicated and loyal friend, adopted son, and employee Alex Gutierrez. Over the years, their children, Lanny, Tracy, and Leo were devoted employees and contributors to the family business. Their grandson, Courtney Stewart, followed in his PeePaw’s path and joined the business in 2012. Patsy, Tracy, and Courtney continue this legacy of service. 

 In 1994, Maurice recruited a small group of dedicated volunteers to revitalize and care for the downtown parks – Saleh Park, Simpson Park, and Garcia Park. In 2002, Maurice was awarded the Community Builder Award by the O’Donnell Masonic Lodge for his distinguished service and personal contribution to the downtown area. Maurice served the O’Donnell community as Mayor from 2004 to 2006 and continued his community service in many ways. Maurice served in the volunteer fire department, sang in the church choir, maintained an immaculate lawn, and enjoyed watching all sports including the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and rodeos. He especially loved any opportunity to share stories about Tracy, Lanny, Pattie, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Maurice is survived by his one and only love, dedicated wife, and business partner, Patsy; children, Tracy Stewart and Pattie and Griff Griffin of San Angelo; grandchildren, Courtney and Tamara Stewart of O’Donnell, Mandi and Buddy Thompson of Post, Jordan Jackson of Tivoli, New York, Kallie Jackson of Austin, Tanner Jackson of Los Angeles, California, and Sarah and JW Alexander of Abilene; great-grandchildren Colton Thompson of South Fork, Colorado, Emma Thompson of Post, Cade Alexander of Abilene, Trae Moore of Austin, and Oaklee Stewart of O’Donnell; siblings Katherine Welch of Lamesa, Rosie Hair and husband, Wayne of Lamesa, Bo Jackson and wife, Marita of Post, sister-in-law, Dorothy Jackson of Mansfield, and sister-in-law, Donna Cameron of Murrieta, California; many nieces, nephews and other relatives; and a host of dear friends and loyal customers. 

 In addition to son, Lanny Jackson, son-in-law, Leo Stewart, and grandson, Carter Jackson, in Heaven Maurice joined brothers, Jim Jackson and Jim Cameron; sister, Modene Pewitt; brothers-in-law, Bernard Pewitt, Wesley Robinson, and Charles Welch; many half-siblings; sister-in-law, Frankie Jo Barton; mother-in-law, Winnie Young; and his parents, Lawrence and Nora Jackson.

Maurice’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church, O’Donnell, with Reverend Taylor Wood officiating. Inurnment will follow at the O'Donnell Cemetery. Services under the direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes. The family extends their gratitude to honorary pallbearers Don Blair, Randy Brewer, Renn Dorman, Don Forbes, Stanley Forbes, Travis Mires, and Brad Williams. 

Maurice’s family is thankful for the care and dedication of the medical professionals who treated him at the Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, and his most recent caregivers, Mary and Heather, of Hospice of the South Plains.

 In lieu of flowers, Maurice’s family requests that you consider contributing to the Downtown O’Donnell Lights of Love sponsored by the 1946 Study Club, PO Box 518, O’Donnell, TX 79351 and 5 Stones Leadership Program, 2961 US Hwy 87, O’Donnell, TX 79351.