JACKSON LEE MCNEAL

Jennings: Jackson was born in Jennings, La. on Aug. 24, 1921 to Leonard McNeal and Ophelia Kershaw McNeal. He was called from this life on Feb. 2, 2017. Jackson served in World War II in the Army 101st Airborne Glider Infantry Division. He took part in the D-day invasion of Normandy, was captured on Sept. 19, 1944 during Operation Market Garden and was liberated on May 3, 1945 after spending 7 ½ months in a German POW Work Camp. Jackson received the Purple Heart for an injury sustained during battle, as well as the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. Jackson married the love of his life Virginia (Jean) Fontenot on July 7, 1945 and remained faithfully and lovingly with her until her death in 1996. Together they raised five children in a home where there was never any doubt that you were loved. They truly lived out the baptismal blessing of being the first and best teachers of their children in the ways of faith. Jackson worked for Glen Thomlinson Distributor as a delivery driver from the late 1940’s until it was bought out by James Richert and became Richert Oil and Tire and continue on there until his retirement at the age of 77. Jackson was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jackson is survived by one son, Deacon Bennett McNeal (Monica) of Jennings, La.; two daughters, Joline LeJeune of Jennings, La., Julie Burgess (Rodney) of Charenton, La.; one daughter-in-law, Cathy McNeal; three sisters, Annie Mae Benoit of Jennings, La., Mary Touchet of Welsh, La., Bernice Istre Myers of Jennings, La.; as well as eighteen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Jackson is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ophelia Kershaw McNeal; his beloved wife, Jean McNeal; two sons, Jerry McNeal and Steven McNeal; one son-in-law, Donald LeJeune; one brother Jimmie McNeal; one granddaughter, Michelle LeJeune.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church for Jackson Lee McNeal of Charenton, La. on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Father Aubrey Guilbeau officiating. Visitation was held at Matthews & Son Funeral Home beginning on Sunday, Feb. 5th from 2:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. by Tom Qualey followed by a Scripture Service led by Deacon Bennett McNeal. The family request that visitation resume on Monday, February 6th at 8 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Jackson will be laid to rest in the Calvary Mausoleum with Full Military Rites. Carrying Jackson to his final resting place in Calvary Mausoleum will be Hunter Burgess, Chance Burgess, Bennett McNeal II, Terry LeJeune, Jerod McNeal, and Jackson McNeal II. Honorary pallbearers will be Jennifer Mora, Kacey Burgess, Michael McNeal, Gabriel McNeal, Benjamin Landry, Heather Fruge, and Ashley Gay.
The family would like to send a very special Thank You to NSI Hospice, Jenifer Mora and Kacey Burgess for their care of Mr. McNeal during his time of need.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at:
www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net