Donald Elmer Jones

1942-2024

 

     Donald Elmer Jones, 81 of Cedar Rapids, IA formerly of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024 at his home.

     He was born November 22, 1942 in Marshalltown, IA the son of Elmer W. and Pearl I. Matthews Jones.  Don graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1961.

     Don was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.  His bravery on the battlefield earned him the Purple Heart.

     On September 14, 1984, Don was united in marriage to Kathleen N. Tjarks Weston in Marshalltown, IA.  She survives.

     Other survivors include one step-daughter, Virginia “Gini” Chase (Mark) of Shellsburg, IA and three step-grandchildren, Katie Weir (Cam) of Houston, TX, Tori Chase of Cedar Rapids, IA and Tom Chase of Shellsburg, IA.  He is also survived by two brothers, Carl Jones of Marshalltown, IA and Richard Jones (Ilene) of Rhodes, IA.

     He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Donald had been employed by Lennox Industries in Marshalltown for forty-two years, until his retirement in 2003.

     He was a member of the American Legion, Three Rivers Tractor Club, IHC #5 Tractor Club and of the Leader Tractor Club, where he served as the leader and wrote a newsletter on a regular basis.

     Don was a tractor and model car enthusiast and loved to rebuild tractors and attend tractor and car shows. He enjoyed watching the Mississippi and taking in the views. 

     A graveside service with military rites will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.  Following the graveside service there will be a time of fellowship at the American Legion Post #41 in Keokuk.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with the family meeting with friends at that time.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com