Alton C Jackson

Alton C. Jackson was not an average man, and he did not live an average life.

Born June 29, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Alton was raised in a pastor’s home where discipline, faith, and character shaped him early. He grew up with modest means, but what he lacked materially, he made up for in drive. From a young age, he was always moving, building, and figuring things out.

By 14, he had already purchased and rebuilt his first car—before he could even legally drive. That wasn’t a phase; it was the beginning of a lifelong calling.

Cars weren’t just something Alton worked on—they were something he understood deeply. He could recall details across decades of classic cars and had a unique ability to find solutions without modern technology - he still used a flip phone. He loved the hunt, the process, and the satisfaction of bringing something back to life.

He especially loved Corvettes and had a deep passion for drag racing. He didn’t just admire speed—he lived for it. Even last fall, he was still drag racing at MPH in Hastings. Whether building, racing, or talking cars, there was always a fire in him that never faded.

That same drive carried into his career. Beginning in 1965, Alton entered the automotive industry and spent over 60 years building a reputation few achieve. In 1981, he founded Jackson’s Car Corner, serving an uncountable number customers.

But Alton wasn’t a typical car salesman.

He didn’t chase deals—he built relationships.

He personally delivered vehicles across the Tri-City area and made things right after the sale—even when it cost him. His mindset was simple: take care of people first. His business wasn’t built on transactions, but on trust.

And if you ever had a business transaction with Alton, you probably received a birthday call from him.

For decades, Alton made over 3500 birthday calls each year. Not automated. Not delegated. Personal calls—sometimes singing, always sincere. He called people even while on vacation, when he was sick, and even when he was suffering in the hospital.

That’s who he was.

He didn’t just remember people—he made them feel remembered.

Alton was a founding member of Tri-City Street Rods and helped establish one of the largest auto shows in the region. His restored cars—including the well-known race car "The Mighty Mouse" which gained recognition far beyond Nebraska. Several of his cars were listed in National Magazines for their uniqueness.

But to him, recognition didn’t matter.

People did.

In 1978, Alton gave his life to Jesus Christ, and everything changed. His priorities shifted. His purpose became clear.

He didn’t keep his faith private—he lived it openly and boldly.

And he didn’t just believe in generosity—he lived it.

Alton gave generously with his time, resources, and energy. He gave quietly and consistently, never needing recognition. When there was a need, he stepped in. When someone was struggling, he found a way to help.

His commitment to his church, Lifehouse, reflected that same heart.

He didn’t just attend—he invested.

Alton helped support and plan ministry events with one purpose: creating opportunities for people to encounter Jesus. Whether behind the scenes, through financial support, or simply encouraging others, he carried a deep burden to see lives changed.

He understood what many miss:

Eternity matters more than anything in this life.

In the last decade of his life, that became his greatest mission.

He wanted people to know Jesus.

Even in the hospital, when a chaplain came to speak with him, Alton called him back into the room and shared the message of salvation.

That was Alton's passion. He lived unashamed of his faith, boldly pointing others to Jesus at every opportunity.

On February 16, 1979, he married Barbara (Singer) Jackson. Their marriage was strong, genuine, and deeply connected. They were best friends—building businesses together, holding hands, expressing love often, and setting an example of loyalty and partnership.

He was a devoted father to Brett Mackey and a loving father-in-law to Paige, whom he embraced as his own. He was an exceptional grandfather to Brayden and Brohdy—showing up, investing time, and making them feel deeply loved, whether driving hours to watch a game or spending time together at the cabin with them.

Alton didn’t do things halfway.

He worked hard.

He played hard.

He loved deeply.

He served in the Air National Guard from 1965 to 1971 and built multiple businesses, including Jackson’s Car Corner, Jackson Rentals, ARM Properties, and later partnered with his son in Powerhouse Motors and Sports.

But his greatest accomplishment wasn’t business.

It was people.

He made others feel valued, seen, and cared for. He was honest, direct, strong-willed, yet deeply relational. Even in disagreement, he worked to preserve relationships.

Over the past several years, Alton faced cancer with the same mindset he lived his life:

“I’m not much of a quitter.”

He fought hard—not just for time, but because he loved life, his family, and people. At the same time, he had complete peace about where he was going.

On March 14, with family by his side, God gave Alton his final breath, and he stepped into eternity with the Jesus he faithfully served.

Alton loved finishing races—whether on the track or in life.

Now, he has finished his race God set before him.

And we believe he heard the words he longed for:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Alton is survived by his wife, Barbara Jackson; his son, Brett Mackey, and daughter-in-law, Paige Mackey; his grandsons, Brayden and Brohdy Mackey; and his brother, Elmer Jackson and sister-in-law Beverly Jackson of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Josephine Jackson, and his brother, Paul Jackson.

Alton will be remembered for his kindness, work ethic, honesty, generosity, and the genuine care he showed to everyone he encountered. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted.

A funeral service celebrating Alton’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at North Shore Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings, NE. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Alton’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.