WATERVILLE – Gerald P. Jackson, 83, formerly of Cook St., Auburn, died Tuesday, April 22.

He was born in Auburn, on March 21, 1925, a son of the late Lester S. and Annie Penley Jackson. He attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1942.

He entered the Army in 1943, and served with the Armored Calvary as a bow gunner. He served in the Philippines for a year and was discharged in 1946. Upon his return, he was employed as a machinist by the Continental Mill in Lewiston.

In 1951, he was recalled into the Army during the Korean War and served in Germany for a year.

Shortly after returning to Auburn, he joined the Auburn Fire Department, where he served for 36 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He enjoyed everything about the Maine outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and camper. He explored the nooks and crannies of Maine, often with his nephews and nieces and friends.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley J. Hilton and her husband, Franklin, of Norridgewock; he will be sadly missed by his nieces, Ann H. Cavanaugh and her husband, Daniel, of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Judith H. Tuttle and her husband, George, of Benton; his nephews, Thomas R. Hilton of Embden and James L. Hilton and his wife, Elizabeth, of Norridgewock; his cousin, Virginia Hershall of Brewer; his special friend, Beverly Stevenson of Auburn; as well as his friends and neighbors.

His was a life of service to his country, to his city and to his family, friends and neighbors.