Richard “Dick” K. Jones, 82, passed away June 2, 2017. Born December 21, 1934 to John Thomas Jones and Edith Mae (Kennedy) Jones in Lucas, Iowa one of eight children.

Richard grew up and attended schools in Woodburn, Iowa, graduating from Woodburn High School. Enlisting in the United States Marines right after high school serving from August 7, 1953 to January 26, 1962. Upon his Honorable discharge from the United States Marines Corps he was employed at the VA Medical center, retiring as the Chief of Medical Administration Service for over 37 years.

Retirement was short lived for Dick. He worked for a short period at the Chariton Library. Then his passion for the Veterans and helping others lead him to a new position with the Lucas County Veterans Association as the Veterans Administrative Coordinator. During which time, he helped veterans with benefit applications and occasionally driving them to Des Moines for appointments. His second retirement was at the age of 81 finally ending the lifelong service of compassion, caring, friendship and service to veterans.

Dick met Mert in Osceola on a blind date, before he left for his second tour of duty. He proposed to Mert on Valentine’s day and later they were married on May 18, 1956. Later they had six children Pamela, Kevin, Kurt, Keith, Kenneth and Kip. The love they had for each other was strong enough to survive the over 19 required moves for his military service and Veterans career. Packing a house and six children was soon a mastered talent by “Mert”.

Dick was the president of Iowa NARFE – National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, member of the DAV, Officer for the American Legion and a member of the Marine Corps League. Dick and Mert were also members of the First Presbyterian Church of Chariton.  His other passion was bowling, he and Mert traveled many places to compete in leagues, tournaments and often on multiple leagues at one time. Fishing was a peaceful pastime for Dick, but most of all he loved the time he spent with his family and grandchildren. Every year there was the annual “FFF” Fall Family Fun, gather having lunch, taking pictures and making memories. Birthdays were always a special time with Dick and the family, always making sure the person was honored in a special way.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters Roberta Kent, Betty McKinney, Barbara Jones, Herbert Jones and Jack Jones Junior. Son Keith Jones, daughter-in-law Vicki Jones and grandson Jeremy Devore.  Left to cherish his memories are wife Myrtle “Mert”, children Pamela (David) Raymie, Kevin (Donna) Jones, Kurt Jones, Kenneth Jones, Kip (Kelly) Jones, brothers Donald (Dixie) Jones and Gordon (Deanna) Jones and 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way. Along with many other friends, family and loved ones that will forever remember Richard “Dick” for the great man he was.

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