Roger D Jones

A Time of Remembrance for Roger D. Jones will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Town Hall in Smithfield, Nebraska.  A Graveside Memorial Service and Inurnment for Roger D. Jones will be held prior to the Time of Remembrance at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed.  The Jones family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Roger's Time of Remembrance based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.

Roger Donald Jones, 73 years of age, of Smithfield, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.  Roger was born on February 24, 1947, in Sabetha, Kansas, the eldest of four children to Rev. Donald Arthur and Edith Maye (Parr) Jones. He was baptized in the creek with the snapping turtles near the Burr Oak Baptist Church in Burr Oak, Kansas, by his father.   He received his primary education from Sabetha Elementary School, Burr Oak Elementary School, and Oak Grove Elementary School.  He attended Junior High in Kansas City, Kansas and then attended Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended and graduated from McCook Public Schools with the class of 1965.  Roger pursued higher education from McCook Junior College and earned an Associate's Degree; he continued his vocal career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Lincoln, as well as, at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

On February 18, 1971, Roger enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at the Naval Communication Station in Rota, Spain.  He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged.  He then served in the Navy Reserves until 1975.

In 1974, Roger was united in marriage to Mary Hock.  To this union, three children were born: Ben, Calena, and Sierra.  This marriage later ended in divorce.

Roger was the assistant manager of The Man's Shop until 1977, when he became a partner in the Sport Spot.  In 1978, the family moved to Bertrand, and Roger became the manager of Hock Farm Supply in Bertrand, and he later became a partner at Hawkins Manufacturing, Inc. in Holdrege.  In the late 90s, he worked briefly for IBP in Lexington, Nebraska.  He then worked at BD in Holdrege until his retirement.

On July 1, 2000, Roger was united in marriage to Kathleen L. Anders at the home of the bride.  The couple made their home in Smithfield and together enjoyed a blessed life.

Roger enjoyed all sports and especially any Husker game!  Roger's love of music was shared throughout the years at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions.

He was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church in rural Smithfield.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law, Rev. David Davis.

Roger leaves to celebrate his life: his wife, Kathy Jones, of Smithfield; son, Ben Jones and his wife, Andrea, of University Park, Texas; two daughters:  Calena Ohlson and her husband, Andy, of Holdrege; and Sierra Jones of Scottsdale, Arizona; five grandchildren:  Sophie and Aspen Jones; Alec and Aden Lovitt and Isabelle Ohlson; three sisters:  Judy Rilinger and her husband, Robert "Bob," of Sabetha; Rebecca Davis of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Pam Mason and her husband, Steve, of Austin, Texas; mother-in-law, Illa Mae Anders, of Bertrand; one sister-in-law:  Virginia Ellmore and her husband, Jeff, of Newport Beach, California; one brother-in-law:  John Anders and his wife, Carma of Bertrand; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family has honored Roger's wish for cremation.  A private visitation was held.

A memorial has been established in Roger's honor, and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.