Robert Hartwell Jacks, age 90, of Rensselaer, passed away Wednesday morning, January 25, 2012 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette. He was born in Rensselaer on December 14, 1921, son of Elmer and Letha (Wood) Jacks.

Robert graduated from Rensselaer High School with the class of 1939. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1940-1946, serving as an Aviation Fire Controlman aboard the USS Saratoga CV-3 aircraft carrier in the South Pacific, and in Honolulu, HI.

On February 23, 1951 Robert married Vivian Lucille Studer, and she survives. He was a lifelong self-employed crop and livestock farmer in the Rensselaer area. He was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Temple, a member of VFW Post #1279, and a member of American Legion Post #29. Robert enjoyed bowling, ballroom dancing, playing ping pong, and reading.

Robert is survived by his loving family: wife of nearly sixty-one years, Vivian Jacks of Rensselaer; two sons: Doug Jacks (wife: Cindy) of Lafayette, IN and Don Jacks (wife: Heidi) of Mattawan, MI; daughter Cynthia (Jacks) Morgan of Brandon, MS; daughter-in-law Susan Jacks of Westtown, NY; and sister Joan Melchoirs of Evansville, IN. Ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Ardis Owen and Lorene Nelson; his son, David Jacks; and son-in-law Carl Morgan.

Friends will be received at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 107 E. Angelica St. in Rensselaer on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. CST. Funeral services will be at the church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Hostetter officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Crockett Cemetery at CR 725 South and 70 W in Marion Township. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

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