Jack Arnold Rasco

Jack Arnold Rasco, of Groesbeck, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013, at his apartment. He was 86. Jack was born August 31, 1926 to Turner Rasco and Emma (Raborn) Rasco at Thornton. He was one of seven children, and has been preceded in death by his three sisters, Buena Coffee, Emma O’Neal, and Marie Holloway, and three brothers, Bedford Rasco, Joe Rasco, and Leslie Rasco. Jack was a Veteran of World War II, who enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1943 at age 17. He served in the Pacific Theater as Quarter Master. He later travelled all over the world, starting his career with Phillips in West Texas on a pipeline; then working for Drillexico as a mud engineer in South America, mostly in Brazil; and then as mud engineer for Dresser Industries, where he worked in South America, North Africa, Scandinavia, England, and China. He retired around 1985, and moved to the Rasco home place at Beulah. He built his house there, doing the construction work himself, and planted fruit trees and raised a garden, sharing tomatoes with his family and friends, and had Great Pyrenees for pets. Last year he moved into Groesbeck, where he enjoyed visiting with his friends while eating breakfast and lunch in local cafes, and reading and studying his many interests. Jack was well-read and a continual student of religion, politics, and history. He had a vast knowledge of World War II and while he might not talk much about his own experiences, he could answer almost any question you had about the war. Jack was very instrumental in the American Legion, Post 288, where he was a past commander and currently served as Judge Advocate. He was always ready and willing to volunteer and serve in all activities of the American Legion, and gave 100% of himself. There are many other unknown deeds of service, as Jack would always help a veteran who needed assistance. He was described by Limestone County Judge Daniel Burkeen as a God-fearing American, who loved his country and who lived by great principals. It was his prior request that no memorial service be held. But the community is saddened by his death, and Jack will truly be missed by his American Legion comrads, those friends with whom he shared many meals and interesting conversation, and his family. Jack is survived by a son, Jan Rasco and wife Pat of Sioux City, Iowa; ex-wife, Joy Dell Cotton of Virginia; and four grandchildren, Caitlin Marie Rasco, Jacob Henry Rasco, Caleb Parker Rasco, and Matthew Quentin Rasco; and many nieces and nephews