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Thomas Richard Jones
April 11, 1924 - July 15, 2009
Oskaloosa
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| Visitation: Will begin after 11:00 a.m., Friday morning, July 17, 2009 at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. to greet visitors. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening. |
| Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning, July 18, 2009 at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Rev. Robert Dean of the Central United Methodist Church officiating. |
Interment: Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with military honors by the Harry L. Anderson Post #34 of the American Legion, the VFW Post #2237 and DAV Post #21.
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Tom passed away early Wednesday afternoon at the Oskaloosa Care Center at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 4 days.
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Thomas Richard Jones, son of Tom, Sr. & Hazel Reynolds Jones was born April 11, 1924, in Mahaska County, IA. He attended Fairview School, the largest country school in Mahaska County, where he was a 1938 graduate. He then attended Oskaloosa High School, where he was a 1942 graduate. He attended A.I.B. in Des Moines until his induction into the Army on Oct. 3, 1944 at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky where he received additional training and joined the 3nd Armored Division, Co. C, 737 Tank Battalion; spear heading for General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. Tom was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, after which he was sent to Fort Ord, CA, where he went to Cook-Baker and Mess Sergeant School. He served as Mess Sergeant in California and Camp Hood, TX, before his discharge July 20, 1946. While in the military, Tom was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter with Carbine, Marksman with M-1 and the Presidents Citation. Tom and Barbara Denney were united in marriage June 15, 1947, on a farm west of Oskaloosa. They began their life together in Oskaloosa, where Tom first worked at Wilcox-Garland Furniture as a floor covering mechanic. After working there for 19 years, Tom began his own business, Jones Flooring. Then in 1970, he went to work for Onthank Carpet Company, where he served as a district manager. Due to health concerns, Tom retired from there and began assisting at Powers Funeral Home.
Tom was a member at Central United Methodist Church since 1938 and served there as an usher for 42 years; he was active in 4-H for 25 years and also served on the Mahaska County School Board, serving as President. Tom was also a 50 year member and a past Master of Council Masonic Lodge #644; he belonged to the Scottish Rite Body of Des Moines and was 32nd Degree Mason, and a past Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star 8 times. Tom was active in the D.A.V. and served as Commander and District Secretary. Tom enjoyed woodworking and working in his yard, having garage sales and spending time with his grandkids.
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Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Jones of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Mary (Dale) Johnson of Oskaloosa and Connie(Allen) Pickett of; Paola, Kansas, two sons: Charles (Vicki) Jones of Oskaloosa and Phillip Jones, also of Oskaloosa; six grandchildren; one step granddaughter; four great grandchildren; a brother: Bob (Violet) Jones of Oskaloosa; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Elsie Jones, Myrtle Martin and Mildred DeJong; a grandson, Nick Jones; and a nephew, Gary Jones.
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In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to Mahaska Hospice.
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