Jack Litzelfelner

Jack Madison Litzelfelner, 88, of Jackson died Monday, June 5, 2017, at his home.

He was born Aug. 25, 1928, in Elvins, Missouri, to Odus C. and Ethel Masterson Litzelfelner. Jack married Judy Thompson of Jackson in 1953.

He attended Jackson High School, where his love of baseball began. He was the catcher on the JHS baseball team.

Jack Litzelfelner

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Jack proudly played baseball for the U.S. Army baseball team, and was later drafted to be the catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jack had a long history of service and dedication to the Jackson community. He and his brothers started Litz Bros. Poultry Co. in Jackson, which ran until 1974. After the closing of the poultry company, Jack stayed busy developing property along Ridge Road in Jackson, and in 1990, opened Bent Creek Golf Course and Development Co. with his sons.

Jack has served as the president of the Jackson School Board and the president of the chamber of commerce. He was a member of Excelsior Lodge 441 AF&AM of Jackson, Scottish Rite of St. Louis and a member of Altenthal-Joerns Post 158 American Legion of Jackson. Jack was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.

Jack Litzelfelner

He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Jack (Felicia) Litzelfelner Jr., Mike (Carrie) Litzelfelner and Rob (Michele) Litzelfelner, all of Jackson; daughters, Pat Litzelfelner of Richmond, Kentucky, and Deb Litzelfelner of Jackson; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph, Joe, Jim and Odus Jr.; and sisters, Ladonna, Kathleen, O'Dean, Margaret, Rosemary, Phyllis and Barbara.

A celebration of Jack's life will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Jackson Civic Center.

Memorial contributions may be given to Jackson Youth Baseball.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.