Donald E. Jones

Donald E. Jones was born on September 22, 1927 to William Charles (Billy) Jones and Claris Mae Burgoon in Ottawa, Kansas. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident and attended Ottawa schools. He was in the Maritime Merchant Marines and employed by Hercules Powder Plant, Singer Sewing Machine Co. and Meeker Construction. In 1963 Don started working at Litwins in downtown Ottawa; he was employed there until his retirement in 1988. In 1989 Don came out of his short lived retirement to work at Wal-Mart part time, he was best known there for filling their pop machines until 2002. On June 5, 1948 Don married the love of his life Catheryn Iris (Kate) Pearson. They were married 45 years before her passing in 1993. Not a day went by that he didn’t think about her and the love that they shared. Together they had 3 children. Don a former member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #2700 and the Elks. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and was always a “winner” at his favorite past time gambling. But what put the biggest smile on his face was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known as “Poppy Jones” and the memories that were made with his family are priceless. In 2006 Don resided at Ottawa Retirement Village, there he gained another family. A home is where the people who love and take care of you are. The staff at ORV became a special part of his life, and his family will always thank them and be forever grateful. Don is survived by; daughters Kathy Hird and husband Stan of Ottawa and Cheri Allen and husband Mark of Topeka; son Brad Jones and wife Toni of Ottawa; grandchildren Angie and Casey Hollon, Lindie and Buck Crumley, Ryan and Ashley Hird, Brock and Shannon Ware, Tiffanie Ware-Spencer, Brett Jones and Devin Jones, and two step granddaughters; great grandchildren Hunter, Katelyn, Emma, Dalton, Madison, Morissa, Lakin, Lexie and Miraya, and 5 step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and a very special family friend Garnet Bowlin, of Topeka, Kansas. Preceding Don in death are his wife Catheryn Jones; infant son; parents, and brother Elmo Jones. Don’s wishes were for his body to be cremated and his ashes buried with his wife. Graveside Inurnment Service will be held at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012. Cremation is planned. Family will meet with friends at the Dengel & Son Mortuary from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 6, 2012. The family suggests memorials to Ottawa Retirement Village Activity Fund or Vitas Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com. “Forever our lives are tied together with the heart of happy memories, the joy of special moments, and a love that will last forever.”