Orville D. Jones

Orville D. Jones was born on Thursday, August 28, 1925, in LeLoup, Kansas, the son of James LeRoy and Florence (White) Jones. A near lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, Orville made his home in Ottawa until his death on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the age of eighty-two years. Orville attended Ottawa schools. He worked as a meat cutter for forty-three years, starting under the GI Bill for Chaney's, Waymire's, and Pence IGA, all in Ottawa and then seventeen years at Rusty's IGA in Lawrence, Kansas, retiring in 1987. He then worked at the Lighthouse Bay Marina as a night watchman; for Dick Williams at Green Acres, the Pizza Shack; Leadbetter Homes; Dodson's International; and tended bar at the Ottawa Country Club. Orville and his wife also ran the Youth Center in Ottawa in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Orville served in the United States Navy during World War II, from December 1, 1943 until January 26, 1946, attaining the rank of Seaman First Class. He served at NRS, Kansas City, Missouri; NavTraSta, in Farragut, Idaho; Rec Sta, Bremmerton, Washington; and ComServ for the 7th Fleet on the USS LST 467 and received the American Area Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with one star, and Philippine Liberation Medal with one star. Orville was a past member of Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons); Retta Conclave #8, Order of True Kindred; Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901; and past president of Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Orville was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was an outgoing, kind and caring man, who never met a stranger. He was always ready to lend a hand, with a smile for everyone. Orville loved kids and was such a good grandpa. He also enjoyed fishing, dancing and playing cards. On March 30, 1946, Orville was united in marriage with Darlene West in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his daughter, Jean Sims of Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren, Darleta Edwards & Lee, of Olathe, Kansas, Ace Sims of Lenexa, Kansas, Roger Cannady, Jr. & Terri, of Krum, Texas, Deborah Swenson & Tim, of Alma, Kansas, Pepper Hamilton & Tyree Whitaker of Ottawa, Kansas; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Delene Turner; brother, James L. Jones; and three sisters, Kathryn Clark, Rosalie Abshire, Inez Fitzgerald. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2008. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Jones from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday and after 8:00 a.m. Saturday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary, where the family will meet with friends from 9:00 to 10:00 Saturday morning prior to services. CEMETERY: Hope Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Children`s Mercy Hospital, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.