Hayden Gratiot Jackson, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Paris, Texas, on August 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, at 4:00 p.m. at Bright-Holland Funeral Home, with Rev. Kevin Strempke officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 3:30 p.m. to share memories and offer their respects. Private burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Born in 1939 in Nevada, Missouri, to Louise Gratiot Jackson and Eugene Hinton Jackson, Hayden graduated from Nevada High School in 1957. In 1962, he moved to Dallas, Texas, drawn by both opportunity and a desire to be closer to his mother and sister.
It was in 1965, while attending the University of Texas at Arlington, that Hayden’s life changed forever. Through a charmingly early computer matchmaking program hosted by the computer science department—aptly named “Computer and Cupid”—he met Mary, the woman who would become the love of his life. They married in 1966 and shared nearly 59 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love and enduring partnership.
In 1981, Hayden and Mary moved to Paris, Texas, where they founded and operated Texapage for more than three decades. Through the business, they provided dependable paging and mobile phone services to the community. Hayden earned a reputation for his tireless work ethic, his integrity, and his deep commitment to customer care—values that shaped both his business and his relationships.
Hayden believed in giving back to the community he called home. He was member of the Kiwanis Club and Lamar County Crimestoppers. He also donated his time and services to Family Haven, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. On one especially memorable occasion he took on the role of Max, the hotel owner, in a Paris Community Theater production of “A Flea in Her Ear.”
A lifelong enthusiast of vintage automobiles, Hayden was a proud member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Red River Valley Honkers Car Club, and the Northeast Texas Antique Car Club. His garage was a favorite place, where he spent countless hours restoring his antique pickup truck and hand-built hot rod—a decades- long labor of love.
Hayden was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Gene Jackson, and his elder sister Sally. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary; his children Gene Jackson and wife Gretchen of Carrollton, Texas, and Katey Jackson and partner Travis Bish of Alpharetta, Georgia; and his adult grandchildren, Zachary and wife Alexandra, Ryan, Jacob, and Shannon.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Chambers Hospice, Embark Care, and the compassionate teams at Paris Regional Medical Center for their attentive care and kindness during Hayden’s final days.
Hayden will be remembered for his thoughtful generosity, character, and the quiet way he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of service and strength—and a family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
