Harold Jones

Harold E. Jones

Harold E. Jones, 87, died Friday, April 26, 2013 at the VA Community Care Center

in Des Moines, Iowa. A lifelong resident of Kirksville, Harold briefly resided in Ankeny, IA with family following the passing of his wife in March of 2012.

He was born on February 24, 1926 in rural Novinger, MO, the son of Ralph M. and Mary Elizabeth (Yowell) Jones. On November 6, 1945, he and Cleva Mason were married in Kirksville.

He is survived by one son, David Jones and wife Sue of Waynesboro, VA; two daughters, Brenda Barger and husband Mike of Ankeny, IA and Nancy Bieker and husband Tony of Decatur, IL.; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geneva McVay and Odessa Anderson; and a brother, William D. Jones, all of Kirksville.

Harold attended Golden Rule, a one room schoolhouse, before moving to town to attend the Kirksville Public Schools, graduating in the KHS Class of 1945. Following U.S. Army military service at Ft. Hancock, NJ, from 1946-1947, Harold and Cleva returned to Kirksville to make their home. Shortly thereafter, he was employed by the Bank of Kirksville, a temporary position which evolved into a career of over 40 years. He retired as Executive Vice President in 1987. Harold was very active as a member of numerous professional and community organizations such as the Kirksville Jaycees, the American Legion and the Kirksville Lions Club where he was honored as President, Lifetime Member and 1968 “Lion of the Year.” He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending many of his retirement years enjoying nature and entertaining family and friends at his beloved cabin on the Chariton River. He will be remembered for the many uniquely beautiful, hand-crafted decoys, bookends, boxes and barnboard mirrors he generously shared with others.

A graveside committal will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Park View Memorial Gardens. Following the brief service, friends and family will be received at the Davis-Playle Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to the unique VA “Community Living Center” Hospice Program in Des Moines, IA where Harold spent his final days.