(From Clark Funeral Home)
March 14, 1946 - February 18, 2025
Donald Lee Jones, a devoted servant of Christ, loving husband, father, grandfather, and teacher, was called home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2025. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born at home in the May Community outside of Goodman, Missouri, to Ed and Dollie Jones, Donald was the youngest of six children. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a deep appreciation for nature, a love that he carried throughout his life. He excelled in athletics and played center for the 1964 Goodman Pirates basketball team, helping lead them to a state championship during his senior year.
Following God’s call, Donald attended Midwest Bible Institute to study Divinity. In 1966, he met the love of his life, Marlina Russell, at a church camp. The two were joined in holy matrimony in January 1967, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love. After graduating from Midwest Bible Institute, he attended Missouri Southern before accepting his first pastoral position at a Full Gospel Church in Livingston, Texas. He later returned to Missouri to serve as the pastor of Goodman Full Gospel Church, a position he faithfully held until 1987. His ministry was defined by an unwavering commitment to preaching the Word of God, shepherding his congregation, and living as an example of Christ’s love.
Following his time in pastoral ministry, Donald dedicated nearly two decades to serving as a special education teacher in the Seneca School District. He was deeply loved by his students and colleagues, bringing patience, kindness, and encouragement to the classroom. Even in retirement, he continued to mentor and uplift those around him.
Donald found joy in God’s creation, spending countless hours outdoors, walking through the woods, and teaching his children and grandchildren about the beauty of the natural world. His wisdom, warmth, and steadfast faith left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Marlina Russell Jones; his children, Lorra Jones (Ted) Brown of Anderson, Missouri, Aaron (Stephanie) Jones of Neosho, Missouri, and Anna Jones (James) Owings of Neosho, Missouri; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dorsa (Don) Brashears of Diamond, Missouri; his brother, James (Betty) Jones of Stockton, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Dollie Jones; his brother, Larry; and his sisters, Donna and Shirley.
Donald’s life was a witness to his steadfast faith, his deep love for his family, and his commitment to serving others. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy endures—in the kindness he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the faith he lived out each day. His life was a testament to God’s grace, and the impact he made will continue to bear fruit in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home - Chapel of Memories on February 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with the funeral service following at 1:00 PM.
Donald Lee Jones, a devoted servant of Christ, loving husband, father, grandfather, and teacher, was called home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2025. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born at home in the May Community outside of Goodman, Missouri, to Ed and Dollie Jones, Donald was the youngest of six children. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a deep appreciation for nature, a love that he carried throughout his life. He excelled in athletics and played center for the 1964 Goodman Pirates basketball team, helping lead them to a state championship during his senior year.
Following God’s call, Donald attended Midwest Bible Institute to study Divinity. In 1966, he met the love of his life, Marlina Russell, at a church camp. The two were joined in holy matrimony in January 1967, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love. After graduating from Midwest Bible Institute, he attended Missouri Southern before accepting his first pastoral position at a Full Gospel Church in Livingston, Texas. He later returned to Missouri to serve as the pastor of Goodman Full Gospel Church, a position he faithfully held until 1987. His ministry was defined by an unwavering commitment to preaching the Word of God, shepherding his congregation, and living as an example of Christ’s love.
Following his time in pastoral ministry, Donald dedicated nearly two decades to serving as a special education teacher in the Seneca School District. He was deeply loved by his students and colleagues, bringing patience, kindness, and encouragement to the classroom. Even in retirement, he continued to mentor and uplift those around him.
Donald found joy in God’s creation, spending countless hours outdoors, walking through the woods, and teaching his children and grandchildren about the beauty of the natural world. His wisdom, warmth, and steadfast faith left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Marlina Russell Jones; his children, Lorra Jones (Ted) Brown of Anderson, Missouri, Aaron (Stephanie) Jones of Neosho, Missouri, and Anna Jones (James) Owings of Neosho, Missouri; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dorsa (Don) Brashears of Diamond, Missouri; his brother, James (Betty) Jones of Stockton, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Dollie Jones; his brother, Larry; and his sisters, Donna and Shirley.
Donald’s life was a witness to his steadfast faith, his deep love for his family, and his commitment to serving others. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy endures—in the kindness he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the faith he lived out each day. His life was a testament to God’s grace, and the impact he made will continue to bear fruit in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home - Chapel of Memories on February 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with the funeral service following at 1:00 PM.
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