Robert (Bob) Randall Jones

Robert (Bob) Randall Jones, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Bob was born on Sept. 18, 1931, in Orrick. He moved to the Kingston area as a young child and remained there until 1947, when his family moved to Rochester, MN.

In 1948 Bob enlisted in the US Army, and after boot camp, was assigned to the 73rd Tank Battalion, Fort Benning, GA. In the summer of 1950, the 73rd Tankers were called into action in the Korean War. Bob served with the unit as a tank driver and tank commander and engaged in combat at Pusan, Incheon, and the Chosin Reservoir. After the war, Bob returned to Rochester, where he met his future wife, JoAnne Marie Wallace. Bob and JoAnne eloped to Los Angeles, CA, and were married on July 3, 1952.

Bob and JoAnne eventually returned to Minnesota and lived and worked in Minneapolis until the summer of 1971. During their time in Minneapolis, Bob was employed by Medtronics, Inc. and all three of their children were born there. In 9171 the family moved to Independence. During this time Bob worked as a purchasing agent for Bonzer Inc. in Overland Park, KS, and Twin City Tool in Olathe, KS. In 1987 Bob and JoAnne purchased property near Nevada, MO, and he worked at Thorco manufacturing. In 1996 Bob and JoAnne retired, sold their property, and traveled the country in their fifth wheel. They traveled throughout the south and west, and eventually went all the way to Alaska. After traveling for two years, they settled in Lamar. After JoAnne’s passing in 2001, Bob returned to Independence and remained there until his death.

Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Independence, The Korean War Veterans Association and the 73rd Tank Battalion Association. He served as quartermaster and president of the 73rd Tank Battalion Association and organized/hosted many of the 73rd Tank Battalion reunions. Bob enjoyed exercising at the local YMCA, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. His sense of humor and friendly personality were cherished by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Nell Jones of Longview, WA; wife, JoAnne Marie Wallace; brothers, Henry Eugene Jones of Fremont, CA and JB Jones of Independence; and sister, Betty Wacker of Longmont, CO.

Bob is survived by his sister, Anna Lee Waadevig of Longview, WA; brother, George Jones of Worthing, England; his three sons, Gary (Katrina) Jones of Lee’s Summit, Tim (Kathy) Jones of Independence, and Todd (Nijuana) Jones of Lake Alfred, FL; seven grandchildren, Mason, Bethany, Nick, Brent, Josiah, Abigail, and Sawyer; step-grandchildren, Kenneth, Michael and Nijuana Bellamy, and Connor, Collin, and Caleb Allen; and nine step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton. A visitation will be held from noon until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Kingston Cemetery in Kingston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans. www.bramfuneralservices.com.

(paid obituary)

The Caldwell County News

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