Robert W. Jones

Robert W. (Bob) Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado, at the age of 88, was led home to heaven by Jesus, with his daughter Janice by his side on December 6, 2016, following a short battle with pneumonia. He was born in 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska to Preston W. and Jessie May Tennant Jones. Bob grew up in Carter Lake, a small piece of Iowa actually located on the west side of the Missouri river and surrounded by Omaha. His grandparents lived with the family for many years until their deaths. Some of his favorite childhood memories include skating on the frozen lake, playing games with friends in the neighborhood and later working on cars under the big tree down the street. His sister Marge has many wonderful stories to “tell” on her big brother. He graduated from Central High School, Omaha, in 1946. From 1948-1950 he served in the Army, attaining the rank of corporal, while serving as a clerk. Because he did not “serve during a war,” we had to encourage him to take a stand when vets were honored at community events. He loved this country (USA) very much and worked hard to see that the constitution was upheld and appreciated. Freedom of religion and speech and the right to bear arms were important to him. Bob was an electrician by trade and a farmer at heart. As an electrician, he joined IBEW (International Brethren of Electrical Workers) in April of 1955. In June of 1958, he was initiated into Local 22 in Omaha. He was very proud of being a union electrician and the fact that he had wired every hospital built in the city of Omaha at the time of his retirement 1989. On July 2, 1953, Greta Jane Young became his wife. Through the years they lived in many homes that dad built or remodeled. The first one was built almost entirely by himself. When the children were young, the family moved to a farm outside of Bennington, giving them some great experiences. That was the first of many farms and acreages as they moved from Omaha to Atascadero, CA, then Fort Collins, next Montrose, CO, and finally back to Fort Collins. Eighty-eight years of life were filled with many adventures, but the best one was his walk with the Lord. On January 22, 1967, he was immersed into Christ at Irvington Christian Church in Omaha. His life was lived for Christ in so many ways, including serving as deacon, treasurer, and board member for numerous churches. In his wallet he carried a little card that was well worn and it gave references for sharing Christ with others. The past few years every time you said “good-bye” or “see you later” to him, he would reply “Lord willing.” Throughout his life, Bob had a love for cars and took quickly to anything mechanical. He could fix just about anything and could make amazing things out of seemingly nothing. In his last years he created and produced bi-planes and helicopters made out of aluminum cans, selling them at craft fairs and open markets. His love for farming extended to tractors, and specifically, John Deeres—green and yellow, pristine condition, and the older the better. He sold his last tractor just a year ago. The aspects of farm life—animals, crops, being out of the city, and open spaces—were among the things he enjoyed. Recently a John Deere was plowing in the field next to their house. He commented that it was “music to my ears.” Although Bob would say he did not have a musical bone in his body, he found “farming” in music as well. He took piano lessons as a boy but into his adult life could only remember one piece – “The Happy Farmer” by Robert Schumann. Occasionally over the years we could force him into a “command” performance of the song, and he ‘performed’ it again less than two years ago. Overalls, blue work shirt, coveralls for the cold—Bob was a simple man that lived a life that touched so many. As his grown children we are very aware of sacrifices he made for us. To encourage our musical talents he provided quite a few instruments and many, many lessons. His advice, which he always gave with a side note of “I’m not very smart, but I ask the Lord to give me wisdom,” will be cherished and now absent. His sly wit, his deep love and care for others, and his infectious smile will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Greta, his sister Marge and her husband Red Wolverton, Tucson, AZ; adult children: Mark Jones, Omaha, Janice Schlieker, Fort Collins, and Karen McNamara, Atascadero; granddaughters: Jaime (Luke) Hellwege, April (Joel) McNamara; grandsons: Bryan and Kody McNamara; nieces: Holly, Tammy and Wendy; nephew: Kip; and numerous cousins and their families in the Red Oak, IA area. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Dr. Michael McNamara. Thank you to all the staff at Tri-Life Health, Foot Hills Dentistry, Columbine Home Health (Deb, Paula, Christi and Alice) and to Robin. Your care for him in the final weeks was amazing and helped him to show his sense of humor and love of people. A Celebration of his life will be held December 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Drake Road Christian Church, 608 E. Drake Road. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Young Life-U of O (University of Oregon).

Tributes

Robert W. Jones

August 18, 2016 - December 6, 2016