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Richard Lee Jones, age 62, of Howard City, formerly of the Belding-Orleans-Greenville area, passed away Sunday evening, June 29, 2014 at his daughter’s home in Belding under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The son of Virgil Lee & Maxine Nina (VanOcker) Jones, he was born on October 19, 1951 in Greenville.
A veteran of both the U.S. Army and the Michigan National Guard, Richard served with the 1073rd Maintenance Company in Greenville. A skilled mechanic, he owned and operated his own automotive and heavy equipment repair shop for many years. He enjoyed gardening and music.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald Jones and Jack Jones; and a granddaughter, Alexandria Jones.
Surviving are his four children, Joseph & Jennifer Jones of Beaverton, Cindy Stark of Belding, Mack & Donita Jones, and Leslie Jones, all of Greenville; his companion and special friend, Kathy Meyering of Howard City; a sister, Nina Chubb of Alma; two sisters-in-law, Linda Jones of Belding and Nancy Jones of South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Matthew Stark, Donna Stark, Austin Sturm, Amber Jones, Autumn Jones, Kodde Jones, and Gerrit Jones; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services are at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2014 at Shiloh Community Church, 8197 Heth Street, Orleans, with the Rev. Kenneth Harger, retired pastor of Shiloh Community Church officiating. Military honors, rendered by the Michigan National Guard, will conclude the ceremonies and a luncheon will follow. Burial will take place privately in the family plot at Greene Cemetery, Orleans. Envelopes for memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society will be available at the church. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Richard’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.
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Cindy Stark
It has been almost 2 weeks and I am going crazy. So many things left unanswered and have no clue how to take care of them. I really thought I would have more time for you to show me what I am supposed to do. You left instructions and told me up front that this would be a difficult task for me and I thought I could handle it but I am failing miserably. I found an old video I made for you years ago and I watched it tonight with Tom. We laughed and cryed and it was nice to have that to share with him. Donna played a record on that old record player you gave her years ago and it drove me insane but also was cool that you and her could share your music together. She kept your cd that you had in the car. Found some old doctor papers and some things just don’t make sense. I think they should have known and could have done something about it if they would have only done their job better. But I know you had lived in pain for a long time now and I know it is so much better for you now. Your body is at peace and your soul is in heaven where it is free from pain and misery. I know I will see you and mom again and that brings comfort to me. I miss our daily talks and when we meet again we will have so much catching up to do.
07/13/2014
Cindy Stark (Jones)
Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,
if so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words.
As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all.
Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
Thank you
07/06/2014
Cindy Stark (Jones)
It has been a week since I have seen your smile or heard your laugh. I go back to work tomorrow and I am freaking out cause my drive to work everyday was our time and I don’t know what I am supposed to do now. Kathy, Tom, Donna, and Matthew have been my rock. I only hope that I have comforted them as much as they have comforted me. Dad you will be forever missed and I know that you are partying in heaven with mom and your brothers listening to that God awful music!!! I know you are no longer in any pain and that brings comfort to us all. Love you ALWAYS. XOXOXO
07/06/2014
Where the Roses Never Fade
I am going to a city
Where the streets with gold
are laid
Where the tree of life
blossoms
And the roses never fade.
Here they bloom but for a
season
Soon their beauty is decayed
Satan’s snares we must evade
We’ll be freed from all
temptation
Where the roses never fade.
Loved ones gone to be with
Jesus
In their robes of white array
They are waiting for my coming
Where the roses never fade.
07/06/2014
Terri L Jones Smalley
I will so miss seeing you when I return home for the reunions, you are one of the great members of our family and will be greatly missed by everyone that had the honor to know you not only a family member but a good friend too all.. prayers goes to you and all your kids. love you
07/05/2014
kathy
Richard wanted to take me to Lake Michigan. We drove in his beautiful car and enjoyed supper on the way. As the day became evening, we walked the pier, we watched the sun set while a band played – you guessed it – bluegrass. A great day!
After we knew we both appreciated sunsets, we watched the setting sun nearly every evening; warm or cold weather.
Cherish each other, find JOY.
07/04/2014
kathy
It wasn’t about me. It was about finding joy everyday. Richard and I spoke about the silly things like the crickets and frogs making noises in the evenings… He loved his country music and I called the natural sounds of Spring ‘country music’. Smiles.
07/04/2014
Kathy
Your fathers sincere wish for peace was spoken often. Peace from physical pain of many years… from memories of childhood trauma… from broken relationships.
He desperately wanted reconciliation for his children whom he loved completely.
Richard reunited with his maker and is healed. He is perfect – something impossible on earth. As we continue on our journeys, embrace our imperfections and find ways to act peacefully, speak peacefully and heal as much as possible in this world… till we meet Richard again.
07/04/2014
Ed & Marie Anderson
I was only fortunate to have know Richard as a friend for 8yrs but I considered him a very good friend. Richard was always there to lend a hand or make sure a repair was done right. I often told him, “I wished I had known him 20 yrs earlier, imagine the things I could have learned from you.” Good bye friend,YOU will be missed!
Ed Anderson
07/03/2014
Diane Heether
To Richards kids,grandkids and sister I hope your memories help you through this difficult time. I as a cousin have many memories of going to Uncle Buck and Aunt Maxines house when they lived by grandma and grandpa Jones when we were growing up. I really enjoyed the reunion at Richards and always enjoyed seeing him and talking to him about everyday life. I remember him always saying Oh Mercy if a vehicle had many issues or if he didn’t really know what to do to make the darn thing run,especially once the computers were put in the newer cars. I use to always take mine out there and so did your Uncle Cleo. Richard sure will be missed.I hope all of you kids keep in touch as once your parents are gone your best memories of them are the ones you all created growing up. I thank God I have my sisters and that we are close as we can talk to the grandkids about memories but only our siblings have lived them with you.May Richard R.I.P leaving all of you behind to carry on his memory. I hope Richard, Jack and Donny have found each other in Heaven and can enjoy each other once again. Richard will be missed by all of us that know him. I keep going over the memories and fun we had running between their house and grandma and grandpa Jone’s. Us cousin in our younger years were all close. I have memories of them all. Once again so sorry for your loss and let your kids create memories with their cousins as cousins are the next best the to siblings.
07/03/2014
You are still missed dearly, We think of you often and we still tell your story. We are so grateful for the time that we were able to have with you. I still miss our phone calls and our goofy weekends together. You were the greatest Grandpa, teacher and friend. I miss you Grandpa. I love you.