Danny Jackson retires from USPS

After 31 years and more than 900,000 miles of driving the back roads of southern Nebraska and northern Kansas, Danny Jackson will close the cover on his last mailbox, Friday, when he officially retires from the United States Postal Service in Superior.

Jackson began his career as a substitute rural route driver in 1990. In 1994, he became a full-time permanent driver. His route stretched from Superior north on Highway 14, west on Highway 136 then south to Bostwick. He drove the Webber Road into Kansas before turning west and going past a once popular gathering place known as Old Mexico. Over the years, he purchased four right-hand drive Jeeps. Jackson performed the routine maintenance such as oil changes and brake repairs himself. Heavier repairs were undertaken by local auto repair facilities whenever feasible.

Jackson will miss his customers. He has established an easy rapport with many of them over the years. He has watched their children grow up. He notes this is the part of his job he has enjoyed the most

Danny, and his wife, Linda, have been married for 48 years. They are the parents of three children. Christopher resides in Parker, Colo. Danelle Whitmore resides in Superior. Jeremy is a resident of St. Cloud, Minn. They have 10 grandchildren.

The Jackson's plan to travel in their RV to visit family and friends. Jackson will devote time to gardening and golf. He will also learn that a honeydew is not just a melon.

When asked about his scariest encounters in his career, he noted that driving up hills on county roads led to some anxious moments as he never knew what was on the other side.

Jackson's driving will now be at his on pace and unscheduled. A fitting change for one who logged so many miles across the local countryside.

A substitute driver will take over the route on May 1 as service will be uninterrupted. The last substitute driver traveled the route for 31 years. Who Knows? His successor might do the same.