Frankie Edward Jackson, 88, of Valley Park died July 19, 2026. Mr. Jackson spent his early years in Fredericktown and moved to St. Louis, where he had a variety of jobs before beginning a career as a broadcast engineer at KETC-TV (Ch. 9) and retiring from KMOV-TV (Ch. 4) after 25 years. He had a lifelong passion for drag racing his 1960 Harley-Davidson XLCH motorcycle, owning several sports cars and motorcycles and competing in car shows around the St. Louis area. He was a longtime member of the High Ridge Elks Club, where he called bingo and worked on the scholarship committee. He and his wife spent their lives raising their family, traveling in retirement, spending time with friends and being members of the Corvette and Mustang Clubs. They also loved their day trips spent antiquing and enjoying fried chicken establishments. They both volunteered at the Ronald McDonald family room and liked dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus during the holidays. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and the smile on his face. Born May 14, 1938, in Jewett, he was the son of the late William E. and Thelma (Firebaugh) Jackson.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Diana (Polete) Jackson; three children: Dawn (Mark Jr.) Smith, Gregory (Janel) Jackson and Ginger (Joe) Rodgers; seven grandchildren: Ryan (Victor) Mathes, Brianna Mathes, Neal (Shannon Flynn) Jackson, Ty (Jordyn Scott) Jackson, Paisley Rodgers, Carter Rodgers and Spencer Rodgers; and a great-granddaughter: Penelope Brooks.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Dorothy Fox.
Viewing and visitation for the family are scheduled from 10 a.m., with a public visitation from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Thursday, July 23, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital at donate.shrinerschildrens.org in memory of his sister, Dorothy Fox. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.