Allen Jones

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Allen Thomas Jones passed away September 24 at Freeman Hospital West at the age of 97. He was born August 17th, 1924 in Hockerville Oklahoma to the union of Henry Jones and Florence Lewis Jones. 

Allen graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1943. He was granted a deferment from the military so he could graduate with his class. He was inducted in the WWII U.S. Navy and served in San Francisco until he was hurt in an accident and discharged. 

He was united in marriage to Hazel L. Miller on May 27, 1944. She died in 2011.

Allen is survived by two daughters Connie Neale (Chunk) of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Barbara Hall (Jim) of Baxter Springs, Ks., brother Glen Jones (Max) of Miami, Ok., sister Erma Poteet of Joplin Mo. He has five grandchildren, Kim Turner (Shawn), Jimmy Hall, and Bobby Hall (Kim Jo) all of Baxter Springs Ks. Mike Priest (Keri) Gilbert, Arizona, Matt Priest (SoHee) Overland Park, Ks. He has eleven great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Florence Jones, wife Hazel Jones, brothers Thurman Jones, Homer Jones, Donald Jones, sisters Alma Spainhower and Retha Sweeton.

He worked in the mines after getting out of the service. Next he worked at Spencer Chemical (Gulf Oil) for many years until he retired from an injury. He also owned and operated Jones Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Company. Allen always had at least one side job prior to his retirement selling cars, selling insurance , and selling prefabricated homes were among them.

Allen was very active in his life. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as deacon, elder, president of Live Wire Class, and an active member on the Building Committee.

During his life he was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, working his way up the chairs to Master. He had over 60 years membership in the Masonic Lodge. He earned his 32nd degree in the Consistory in Fort Scott, Ks. He was on the board of the Baxter Springs Country Club for many years, lifetime member of the Baxter Springs Historical Society, member of C.B. Cowtown Club, and Keenagers singing group in Riverton.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and brother. Allen never met a stranger and loved people. He will never be forgotten.

Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday October 2 at the First Christian Church with visitation beginning at 10:00. Burial will be at the Baxter Springs Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends contribute to the memorial fund of the First Christian Church in Allen’s name.