"Buck" Jackson

Howard “Buck” Jackson, 86, of Wood River passed away November 13, 2025, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island. While his spirit and humor were very much alive his heart was tired. A celebration of life will be at 10:30 AM Friday, December 19, 2025, at Babel’s Barn in Wood River. Visitation will be Thursday, December 18 from 4-7 PM at the Methodist Church in Wood River. In Buck’s honor please wear Husker attire (or red) for the visitation and service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for a scholarship to be founded in Buck’s honor. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Buck was born in Fullerton, NE on January 28, 1939, to Howard S. and Martha M. (Taylor) Jackson. Buck graduated from Ericson High School often saying he graduated 4th in his class; and then finding out there were only 4 in his class. Buck always had a story to tell, a joke or a "where are you from" question. After high school, he then attended Kearney State College (1957-1960) where he received his BA in Education, played football and was an athletic trainer. He would later go on to complete his Master’s of Science & Education at Kearney State in 1968.

On June 4, 1961, he married Elanor “Sue” Pulver in Grand Island. They then moved to Alexandria, NE where Buck taught school and earned the title “Coach” which many still call him today. In 1973, they moved to Wood River with their daughters where Buck continued teaching and coaching and remained in the Wood River community until several years ago when they moved to Grand Island. Buck was honored to be GI Independent's Boy’s Coach of the Year and a Nebraska Shrine Bowl Coach.

For anyone who knew Buck, you knew not to call or schedule anything during a Husker football game. He spent many a game tailgating in Lincoln over the years. He was a lifelong fan and no matter the sport he’d probably have it on. This love for sports carried on long after he retired when he continued coaching his grandson’s basketball team the GI Bucks and other teams within the Wood River community.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Marta (Mike) Meier of Phillips, Kris Petersen of Omaha, Karen (Scott) Opp of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren: Derrek (Brittany) and Malorie Meier, Lance Petersen and Alexis (Rafael) Barbosa, Logan, Landon & Macy Opp; great-grandchildren: Steele, Jett, & Kruz Meier and Elia Barbosa; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; parents; sisters: Phyllis Foster and Eileen Patrick; two nieces; and a nephew.