Bernard “Buster” Harris Jackson, Jr., age 64, of Linton, Indiana, passed peacefully in his home on earth into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by the people who meant the world to him—his devoted wife of 28 years, Amy, their beloved daughter Amber, and his steadfast in-laws, Jr. and Ruth Barker. After a courageous battle with colon cancer, Buster’s unwavering faith and gentle spirit carried him home.

Born in Georgia, Buster’s early years were filled with Southern sunshine and the warmth of family. At age 12, life’s twists brought him to Paxton, Indiana, his mother Kitty Jo’s hometown, where he would plant deep roots and build a life full of love, laughter, and hard work. A proud graduate of Sullivan High School, Class of 1978, Buster was never afraid of rolling up his sleeves. He wore many hats throughout his life—working at Terre Haute Malleable, swinging a hammer in Georgia, lending his strength to the Pork Plant in Worthington, and later, Griffin Industries (DarPro) in Newberry. For the last 11 years, he found a second family among the crew at Dillon Trucking in Bicknell.

Buster was the kind of sports fan who wore his heart on his sleeve—cheering on his Georgia Bulldogs with a fiery passion, keeping up with the Atlanta Braves, the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, and never missing a game of IU basketball, men’s or women’s. His love for sports was matched only by his love for tinkering in his garage. With sawdust in the air and classic rock or bluegrass playing, Buster crafted wooden treasures—each piece a labor of love, especially when teaching Amber the art of woodworking.

Family and friends were Buster’s heart. He was the first to lend a hand, share a story, or offer a prayer. His loyalty and kindness were legendary, and his laughter could fill a room. He cherished his role as a husband, father, uncle, and friend, and he never missed a chance to tell those around him how much they meant to him.

A faithful member of Owensburg Baptist Church, Buster’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. Baptized in 2009, he began every morning with scripture and lived out his beliefs with humility and grace. He loved his church family, found joy in Bluegrass Gospel, and could listen to guitar and banjo picking for hours on end. His greatest hope was that all those he loved would come to know the Lord as he did.

Buster leaves behind his loving wife, Amy Dawn (Barker); his precious daughter, Amber Leigh; his in-laws, Jr. and Ruth Barker; his sister, LeaAnn (John) Hancock; brother-in-law, Kent (Jennifer) Barker; a host of nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Buster,” and countless friends who became family.

He is reunited in Heaven with his mother, Kitty Jo (Figg) Webb; father, Bernard Harris Jackson, Sr.; infant brother, Gordon; brothers, Timothy, Mark, and Michael; and his beloved grandparents.

Buster’s legacy is one of faith, family, and fierce love. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in every game watched, every project built, every act of kindness, and every song of praise.

Funeral service celebration of Buster’s life will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton of Walton Funeral Service, at 3:00 pm Saturday, May 24, 2024. Burial will follow at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Newberry.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 2 pm until the time of service.

All who knew and loved Buster are welcome to join in honoring a life so beautifully lived.

Online condolences may be shared at www.welchcornett.com.