Jack Que Driver

In Loving Memory of Jack Que Driver

Jack Que Driver was born on August 9, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Eddie B. Driver Sr. and Addie L. Tower Driver.  Jack departed this life on June 9, 2026, at his residence in South Bend, Indiana, at the age of 77.

While attending John Adams High School, Jack competed in cross-country and proudly graduated with the Class of 1968. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably from 1968 to 1972, ultimately attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. One of the defining moments of his military service came in 1969 while serving as a Private First Class aboard the USS Hornet (CVS-12). From June 27 to July 26, 1969, Jack and his fellow service members participated in the historic Apollo 11 recovery operations, helping welcome home the astronauts following the first human landing on the Moon.  On August 8, 1969, Jack received a Letter of Appreciation from the commanding officer of the USS Hornet (CVS-12) in recognition of his exceptional skill, resourcefulness, and dedication in helping maintain the ship at maximum operational efficiency during this historic mission.

While stationed in San Francisco, California, Jack met and fell in love with Linda J. Johnson, a San Francisco native. The couple married in December 1970 and later welcomed their daughter, Maisha, in 1972. Following his military service, Jack remained in California for several years, building a life.

Although he eventually left the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps never left him. He often spoke fondly of his years of service, recalling them as some of the best times of his life. He maintained friendships with several of his former crewmates and visited them throughout the years. One especially meaningful reunion occurred in the mid-2000s when Jack visited the USS Hornet, then docked in Alameda, California, while visiting his daughter and son-in-law. During that visit, he reunited with former shipmates and was interviewed by a local Bay Area television station about the Apollo 11 recovery mission—a moment he treasured deeply.

Jack was a devoted fan of Notre Dame football and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Fighting Irish. He enjoyed watching and rewatching classic Western films and had a passion for travel- always bringing disposable cameras for photos.  He loved golfing with his siblings, fishing, playing lotto scratch-offs and grilling—sometimes even marinating meat with the same wine he enjoyed drinking.

His love of grilling was just one expression of his generous spirit. Jack never limited his hospitality when it came to the communities where he lived and was known for firing up the grill for neighbors and friends as readily as he did for his own household. While he could be a private person and chose not to share certain things, those who knew him well also knew that he could engage in lengthy conversations when the occasion called for it.

Many would describe him as friendly and approachable. He had a gift for finding common ground with others and turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. He deeply valued the relationships he built and faithfully stayed in touch with those who touched his life.

Over the years, Jack lived in several states, including California, Utah, and Michigan. He retired from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Michigan before eventually returning to his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, where he spent his later years.

Jack leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing his beloved daughter, Maisha (Kenneth) Driver-Bolden of Oakland, California; his brother Eddie (Helen) Driver Jr., of Portage, Michigan; his sisters Francine (John) Williams of South Bend; Judy Driver of Indianapolis; Nancy Driver of South Bend; Gail (Tyree) Dickerson of Indianapolis; Vickie Driver of South Bend; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Sr. and Addie Driver; his brother Dwight (DeDe) Driver; his sister Ruth Driver Turner; his former wife Linda Driver and brother-in-law John Williams. Though he will be greatly missed, Jack's legacy of service, friendship, generosity, and loyalty will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Service: 

Wednesday June 24, 2026 

10:00 AM Family Gathering 

11:00 AM Celebration of Life

Layman Chapel CME Church 

303 S. Kenmore St. 

South Bend, In   

Burial:

Thursday June 25, 2026 2PM 

Ft. Custer National Cemetery Kalamazoo, MI  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Que Driver, please visit our floral store.

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jack-Driver