Charles M. Jackson, 79, of Rockford, died July 5, 2007, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 25, 1927, in Rockford, to Cecil P. and Ida Ilo Carmen Jackson. On Nov. 16, 1946, he married Constance Ilene Hoenie, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joe (Jayne), MonMouth Beach, N.J., and Brent (Mandy), Celina; two daughters, Ruth Ann (Dan) Swander and Michelle Ilene, all of Rockford; a brother, Paul (Carol), Gahanna; a sister, Carolyn (Doyt) Crouch, Rockford; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a brother, Ted; and a grandchild.

He was a personnel manager at Huffy Bicycle Corp., Celina, a machine operator for the Dunbar Furniture Co., Berne, worked at Brandt Dry Cleaners, Rockford, and was a carpenter. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served as mayor of Rockford for four terms and was a village firefighter. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Hopewell Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Post 1292, Rockford, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1473, Celina.

Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Deb Domeier officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 10-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or Celina Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

Condolences can be sent at ketchamripleyfh@earthlink.net.