Michael Dale Jackson, 70, of Fort Wayne, IN was called peacefully to his heavenly home on May 12, 2024. He was born September 11, 1953, in Fort Wayne, IN, son to the late Ronald and Mary Lou Jackson. He is survived by his sisters, Tanya (Jackson) Zent, Jacqueline (Jackson) McLeod and husband, Randall of Fort Wayne, IN, and Patricia (Jackson) McGuire of Port Angeles, WA; sons, Michael and Brian; nephew, Jeremy Zent and wife, Stefanie and their three children, Mackenzie, Jackson and Emerie. He grew up in Yoder, IN, attended grade school at Pleasant Township, went for one year at Kekionga Jr. High and graduated from Elmhurst High School. Growing up his favorite toy was zippo the monkey. He served in the United States Navy in 1972 and left with an honorable discharge in 1975 for family reasons. He was a Petty Officer class USNR-R, Rate QM2 Navigator/Assistant Navigator on the USS Vreeland. He was in the reserve from 1975-1978. He made significant achievements in the practice of celestial navigation-valuable to the Navigator at sea. He was recognized for his outstanding performance of duties while serving as Quartermaster of the watch, charts, and publications on board USS Vreeland home ported in Athens, Greece, and for his superior performance and devotion. He was chosen as the number 3 most outstanding third-class Petty Officer. His military appearance brought much credit to himself and his division, winning the praise of Commanding Officers during every personnel inspection. He was highly recommended for retention in the Navy.  Michael was a very entertaining individual and mixed well with others and established many friendships. Later, he worked in the hospitality industry and bartended. He loved dancing and was involved with the Fort Wayne Follies. There are no services scheduled at this time. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Covington Memorial Funeral Home.