Noel James “Jay” Jones was born the son of James Jones and Elizabeth Underwood Jones on December 16, 1929 in Tryon, Oklahoma and departed this life on October 6, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 81 years.
He was united in marriage June 10, 1972 in Palace, Missouri to Willa Mae Manes.
He is survived by five children, Kathye Bowers of Nixa, Missouri, James “Rick” Stepp of Nixa, Missouri, Jewelene Ashton of Arlington, Virginia, Lloyd “Tim” Jones of Golden, Missouri and Deborah E. “Beth” Jones-Stovall of Jackson, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Garold, Rhonda, Jim, Jason, Sascha, Daniel and Madeline; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Laqueta Bowden and Della Jordan and husband, Curtis both of Patterson, California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Jones; one brother and several sisters.
Mr. Jones retired as an expert rifleman with the United States Army as a Sergeant 1st Class with over 25 years of military service. He received numerous awards including the Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal.
Jay loved travelling, country and western music and old western movies with “the Duke” John Wayne. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family.
He was a faithful member of the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ in Winona, Missouri.
He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Noel “Jay” Jones, age 81, of West Plains, Missouri, will be Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer. Body will Lie in State. Burial will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
