Donald Lee Jones

Donald Lee Jones, born on June 29, 1946, to William Lawrence Jones and Esther Annabelle Hontz, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, after spending a wonderful day with his family. Surrounded by love, he passed while holding both of his sons' hands. True to his nature, Don maintained his sharp sense of humor, cracking jokes and making light of the situation even up until his final moments, bringing laughter to those around him, just as he had done throughout his life. Don grew up in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. He married the love of his life, Peggy Ann Harris, on July 3, 1965. Don was a man of unwavering integrity, known for his tireless work ethic and his steadfast devotion to his family. He was a man of great character and a devoted husband to Peggy, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. His love for Peggy was evident in all aspects of his life, as he continually put his family first, leading by example through hard work and loyalty. Shortly after their marriage, Don worked as a cook before starting his lifelong career at Kansas City Power and Light in 1967. Don and Peggy made their home in Shawnee Mission, where they welcomed their three children. In the years that followed, they moved to Louisburg and eventually to a 15-acre farm in Paola, Kansas. It was there, surrounded by chickens, pigs, and a few horses, that Don found his greatest joy. All three of their children proudly graduated from Paola High School. The family was active in New Testament Baptist Church in Paola, where Don and Peggy were deeply involved in the church's bus ministry, sharing their faith and kindness with others. After their children were grown and married, Don and Peggy moved to Olathe, Kansas. In 2016, Don retired from KCPL and moved to Woodland Shores on Grand Lake in Oklahoma, where he spent his retirement years boating, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of the lake. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy, who passed on November 5, 2019; his daughter Rhonda Sue Studdard; his grandson Jared William Lee Corben and his sister-in-law, Barbara Harris. Though he lived the final five years of his life as a widower, his memories of Peggy and their life together remained with him always. He is survived by his sons Paul Jones and wife Barbara of Billings, Missouri, and Timothy Jones and wife Faith of Dalton, Nebraska. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Elisha Shannon, Leslie Coleman, Zachary Jones, Joshua Jones, Alyssa Meyer, Erin Bartmess, and Katy Jones, as well as his great-grandchildren: Amelia Shannon, Harlyn Shannon, Parker Coleman, Sloane Coleman, Felix Jones, and Claire Meyer. Don is also survived by his brother William Jones and wife Jean of Linwood Kansas, his sister Linda Snook and husband Greg of Shawnee, Kansas, his sister-in-law Leesa Sands and husband Pat of Garnett, Kansas, and his brother-in-law Larry Harris of Wellsville, Kansas. He will be deeply missed by many other extended family members, friends, and all who knew him. Don’s life was one marked by hard work, integrity, devotion to his family, and an unshakable sense of humor. He was a man of true character, a devoted husband, and a loving father. His ability to make people smile, even in tough times, was one of his greatest gifts. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

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