Bob Jones, 87

Robert Harold “Bob” Jones, age 87 of Mendon, died Monday Nov. 28, 2011 at his daughter’s home in White Pigeon. Bob was born in Mendon on Sep. 30, 1924 the son of Harold and Lillian (Warkentine) Jones. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1942 and attended the University of Michigan before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. Bob was assigned to the 345th Fighter Group’s 353 Squadron stationed in France during WWII where he piloted a P-51D Mustang. After the war Bob enrolled at Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education.

Bob was married to Geraldine Carkennord on Sep. 4, 1948 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon. They resided briefly in Cheboygan and Comstock where Bob coached and taught school. They returned to Mendon in 1960 when Bob accepted a position at Three Rivers High School where he taught math, physical science and chemistry and was the assistant varsity football coach, retiring in 1984.

Bob was a former Commander of V.F.W. Post #4898 in Mendon and was the Chairman of the Voice of Democracy program. He was active in St. Edward Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council and was a C.C.D. teacher. Bob and his wife, Gerry were both inducted into the Mendon High School Hall of Fame in 1999. He enjoyed music, playing his harmonica, and singing in the Mendon Kiwanis Showboat for many years. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren at Mendon sporting events and camping at “Jonesville” along the St. Joe River.

Bob is survived by 12 children and their spouses, Patty and John McClain of Three Rivers, John and Patty Jones of Twin Lakes, Bobby and Toni Jones of Fennville, Cathy and Steve Reed of Kalamazoo, Jim and Sharon Jones of Mendon, Jeanne and Dave Ludders of White Pigeon, Tom and Tonja Jones, Susan and Larry Ettinger, Shirley and Wayne McGlothlen all of Mendon, Larry and Teri Jones of Three Rivers, Tim and Tracy Jones of Mendon, and Denny and Pam Jones of Webberville; 41 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gerry Jones in 1999; and his brother, Eugene “Fooze” Jones in 1970.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where the Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Thursday. The funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Friday Dec. 2, 2011 at St. Edward Catholic Church with Rev. Jim Vinh Le officiating. Military interment will be in St. Edward Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the Geraldine Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Mendon Community Schools Foundation, 26393 Kirby Road, Mendon, MI 49072. An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com