Jones, David O.

David O. Jones, 81, of Williamsburg, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Mercy Iowa City. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, with Father Joseph Roost officiating. Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Williamsburg. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today (Tuesday, Jan. 15) at St. Mary's Hall, Williamsburg with a Scripture service at 4 p.m. and a VFW Service at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be contributed to the David O. Jones 4-H Scholarship Fund. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is in charge of arrangements.

David Orville Jones was born June 25, 1931, in Williamsburg, Iowa, the son of Harry C. and Grace M. Pope Jones. He received his education in the Williamsburg schools. He worked for Smith Motor Company for three years before he began his farming career on March 1, 1951. David served in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954, serving in Korea. He returned to farming and married Joyce M. Jacobi on May 4, 1957, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Marengo. To this union three sons were born, Randy, Terry and Eric. David actively farmed until 1983, when his sons Terry and Eric took over. He then worked for the Iowa Liquor Commission until the closing of the stores. He continued employment at the physical plant on the University of Iowa campus. He retired from there in 1994. David continued to support the family business as he became the “go-for” for Terry and Eric. The David O. and Joyce M. Jones Farm was given the recognition as a Century Farm in 2012, of which David was very proud. As the years went by, David's gardening and lawns became a very important and enjoyable part of his day. David was a strong 4-H supporter and he served as a leader and mentor for his children and grandchildren. His family was very important to him and he attended the children and grandchildren's school and 4-H activities as often as possible. He also enjoyed daily walks and visiting at the Rec Center in Williamsburg.

David was a lifetime member of the VFW #8797 and a life member of Knights of Columbus. He was a member of and served on the board of directors for the Farmers Coop Grain and Lumber, Conroy, from 1971 to 1985.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his sons, Randy (Lisa) of Olathe, Kan., and their son Bradley (Karen) of Alexandria, Va., Terry (Susan) of Williamsburg and their children, Paige of Ames and Nate attending Iowa State University, and Eric (Kathryn) of Williamsburg and their children, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Clint at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a halfbrother, Lester Jones; and a halfsister, Helen Rathjen.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Jan. 16, 2013.