His greatest sources of pride and enjoyment included the love and bond between his parents; his three brothers, Harold "Doc" Jones, Shelby Jones, and Harlan Jones; his two sisters, Virginia Maxine "Mac" (Jones) Lawson and Joye (Jones) Sumner; then all the rest of the Jones, Lawson, Sumner, Williams, and Fitzgerrel families to follow. He would have had an annual family reunion monthly if the math would have worked right.
Calvin passed away on July 11, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood, Missouri. During his stay he was treated with great respect and received excellent care from the entire staff.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emma Lee (Fitzgerrel) Jones; his daughter, Gale Williams and her husband, Tom Williams, of Lamar; his son, Travis Jones of Lamar; his brother, Harlan Jones of Canton, Georgia; his sister, Joye Sumner of Springfield, Missouri. He had great love for his five grandchildren: Brad Williams; Brent Williams (and Danniel); Dallas Jones; Damon Jones; and Danielle (Jones) Gammon (and Aaron). He also had eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Calvin was saved as a young man.
He liked to tell about the memory of his first real prayer when he testified of his experience. He knew he had received something real because all condemnation and fear was gone, and he realized he had a friend, guide, and protector for the rest of his natural life as well as the life he is rejoicing in right now. He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and song leader for many years. He sincerely loved and cared for his Church Family.
After graduating from country school and Halfway High School, he landed on the campus of the University of Missouri, in Columbia. Not only did he graduate in 4 years, he also worked a couple of jobs, joined ROTC, and sent money home to help supplement the sometimes difficult task of farming in Polk County, Missouri.
One of his best college friends insisted that Calvin meet his family down in the Bootheel of Missouri (Malden); and there was a certain girl he just knew would be perfect for Calvin. That introduction was interrupted by three girls riding up to the community store on a flywheel tractor. Calvin said, "What about her?" His buddy said, "She's nice, but I don't know what to tell you about her father."
Calvin and Emma Lee corresponded via U.S. Mail for the next two years while he was serving at Camp Hale, Colorado, where he was a commissioned officer in the last mounted artillery division of the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1956, and they were soon married. He served in the National Guard while they lived in Mount Vernon, Missouri, where they started their little family.
During that time he was the County 4-H agent, a job which he enjoyed very much. Calvin and Emma Lee moved to Lamar in the winter of 1963. He became actively involved in many aspects of the community such as Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, school sports and activities, Saddle Club, 4-H, and he served on the Lamar Fair Board for many years.
If Calvin had not worked for the University of Missouri Extension Service, he would have definitely been a farmer. Being a county agent allowed him to help farm 300,000 acres without ever having to purchase a tractor, combine, or plow! Calvin genuinely loved working with all the farm families, and he sincerely treasured their many friendships.
Without a doubt, anyone who remembers Calvin recalls certain characteristics about him. Certainly, most would relate to horses, mules, boots, and his hat (definitely…the HAT). Perhaps you were fortunate enough to have heard a story… or two… or three….
One of his greatest pleasures was instructing novice riders to become equestrians and experience the joy of riding. It is estimated that the approximate number of first-time riders was well into the hundreds. Many riders will remember the discussions about the troll under the bridge.
Calvin received great joy from taking a horseback ride with the full moon casting its light through the leaves of the trees while watching lightning bugs giving a show of their own in the valleys. He would talk to God and talk about God and all his creations as he rode along. His spiritual belief was not a cloak to be worn and taken off as a matter of timing and convenience. In fact, his favorite praying place was in the feed room of his old barn where he would spend hours in prayer. His greatest desire was to live a life that would reflect the one-on-one relationship he had with God. He recognized the importance of knowing the Lord in the free pardon of sin, and he prayed that all his family and friends will be born again by the Grace of God.
The family will receive visitors on Friday July 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday July 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. A procession will drive to Rock Prairie Cemetery and expect to arrive around 12:30 PM for graveside committal.
In lieu of flowers and plants, contributions to Rock Prairie Cemetery Fund, in care of the funeral home, in memory of Calvin would be greatly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers and plants, contributions to Rock Prairie Cemetery Fund, in care of the funeral home, in memory of Calvin would be greatly appreciated.
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