Claude Jaco

Claude "Gene" Jaco, 88, of Jackson passed away Monday, June 27, 2016, at the Monticello House in Jackson, where he resided the past four years.

He was born Dec. 5, 1927, in St. Louis to Pearl E. and Gladys Estes Jaco. He and Betty J. Clifton were married June 30, 1951, in Jackson. They had been married 61 years, when Betty passed away July 5, 2012.

Gene attended Jackson High School. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from Oct. 2, 1946, to April 1, 1948.

While attending technical school in Kansas City, Missouri, he found himself in some interesting places. As a carpet installer, he laid carpet in the home of Harry S. Truman and was welcomed by Bess. A naturally gifted vocalist, he also regularly performed on the radio in Kansas City and even traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to audition for Eddie Arnold.

After he married, he was an insurance agent many years in Jackson for American Family. He later worked several years as an insurance auditor for the Missouri Division of Insurance.

Gene was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson more than 60 years and a former member of the Elks and Lions clubs. He enjoyed collecting miniature cars and woodworking and was an avid Cardinals baseball fan.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Deborah (Mel) Pohlman of Elburn, Illinois; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Dorothy) Pohlman of Rye, New York, and David (Julia) Pohlman of Lombard, Illinois; four great-grandchildren, Claire, Frederick, Blake and Carter Pohlman; a sister, Lillie Jackson of Summersville, Missouri; a brother-in-law, John (Debbie) Clifton of Cape Girardeau; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a young sister, Eva Lee Jaco.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with a nephew, the Rev. Chris Clifton, officiating. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.