Robert “Bob” Jones

Robert Franklin Jones, 83, of Marietta died suddenly Thursday (October 28, 2010) at his home in Marietta. 

He was born February 5, 1927 in Akron, OH to William Edward and Grace Mildred Shepard Jones.  He was a 1945 graduate of Tallmadge High School and a 1949 graduate of The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture.  On October 30, 1949, he began his career as a soil conservationist in Steubenville, OH and worked there until he was transferred to Marietta in 1962.  He retired from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service on July 3, 1987 after nearly 40 years of service.  In recognition of his accomplishments in “the field”, he received the “Agriculturalist of the Year” award in 1987.  He began a second career as a part-time courier for Peoples Bank in March 1988 and retired for a second time in August 2005 after 17 years of service.

Bob was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church and the Marietta Civitan Club since 1962.  He also served on various boards, including the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Board and as current treasurer of the Harmar Hill Crime Watch.  Since 2006, he was a proud volunteer at Marietta Memorial Hospital with over 2,000 hours where he was well known on the first and fourth floors for his sense of humor and wit.

He enjoyed participating in the lives of his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean Proctor Jones, whom he married on January 29, 1950; one son, Richard Jones (Robbi) of York, SC; three daughters, Mary Anne Guinn (Frank), Barbara Peery (Brady), and Carol Jones, all of Marietta; five grandchildren, Amanda Herb (Brandon), Chris Guinn, Ross Peery, Tyler Peery (Kayla), and Ashley Jones; and three great-grandchildren, Addison, Aidan, and Avery Herb.

He is also survived by his brother, William S. Jones (Sue) of Winchester, VA.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 1st, at 11:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church with Reverend Don Archer officiating.  Burial will be in Barlow Cemetery.  Friends may call at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home after 2:00 on Sunday with family present from 2-4 and 6-8. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Marietta Civitan Club or the Marietta Community Foundation.