- Date Of Birth: January 31, 1934
- Date Of Death: February 12, 2022
- State: Indiana
Jackson “Jack” Julian Kegley, 88, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in Indianapolis with family by his side. He was born on January 31, 1934, to the late Wilbert Lewis Kegley and Chelsie Dolores (Julian) Linzie. After meeting through mutual friends in Acton, IN, Jack married MaryLou (McDonald) Kegley on June 24, 1955.
They were married a beautiful 62 years until her death on May 1, 2017. Jack is survived by his three daughters, Karen Vergara (Joe), Pam Boyd (Kenny), and Robin Bousum (Jeff); grandchildren Jesse Vergara (Crystal), Katie Jessie (Harold), Cory Vergara (Jenny), Sam Boyd (Nevada), Chelsie Willoughby (David), and Noah Bousum; and great grandchildren Kendall and Kaden Conover and Marin Jessie. Jack is also survived by a cousin, Carol Sibbald, and his nietos de Ecuador: Galo and Maria Càrdenas Rodas. Jack was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Ray Kegley, and lifelong friend, Jack Cecil.
Jack began learning carpentry from his father at the age of seven but officially began the trade upon graduation from Clark High School in 1952. Jack, Ray and Wilbert worked together as W.L. Kegley and Sons and built many homes around Johnson County and Indianapolis, as well as the Dog ‘n Suds of Old Town Greenwood. Many were and are privileged to have lived in a house that Jack built. In later years, Jack and his crew remodeled and added an addition to Pleasant Valley Church and upon retirement, Jack traveled to Johnson Bible College and Oaxaca, Mexico on mission trips to lend his hand and expert skills.
Rarely missing a grandchild’s sporting event or musical performance, Jack and MaryLou led an active social life. In addition to family, they kept busy as members of Pleasant Valley Church and subsequently, Rocklane Christian Church. They enjoyed many card games with their friends of Johnson County and “LA” – Lower Acton, where Jack was nicknamed the “Mayor of Red’s Corner”. Following MaryLou’s passing, Jack enjoyed his daily lunch with friends at Denny’s in Whiteland.
Jack had a creative, mechanical mind and the ability to fix anything. He was strong of body, mind, and spirit; fondly remembered for many an act showcasing that sheer strength: a favorite of many was his ability to hold himself outright, perfectly horizontal on a flagpole. Children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews often requested Jack & his brother, Ray, to perform their famed party trick: wiggling their large and lovable ears. Jack will be missed by many but remembered for his life well lived in quiet strength and for the message he always shared as you walked out his kitchen door at the end of a visit: “Be cheerful”.
