Lonnie Kaye Jones

Lonnie Kaye Jones Battle Creek Lonnie Kaye Jones, a long-time Battle Creek resident, died Monday December 7th 2009 at BC Health Systems hospital, at age 77, after a long battle with several illnesses. Lonnie was born August 26, 1932 in Dewitt County, Illinois, to Charles Kermit Jones and Mary Helen (Kirby) Jones, and moved to Battle Creek with his family in 1938. Lonnie graduated in 1950 from Battle Creek Central High School where he participated in many activities including A Cappella Choir. He served with the US Army as an infantryman in Korea. He was employed by Post Cereals, in Battle Creek for 38 years before retiring in 1991. He also attended Western Michigan University where he met and courted the love of his life. Lonnie and Molly Luella Newland were married on July 2, 1960 in Kalamazoo, and they had three sons. Lonnie loved music, particularly opera, and was a frequent attendee at concerts by the Battle Creek Symphony and Kalamazoo Symphony, as well as the orchestras from Detroit and Chicago and other touring orchestral, solo, and operatic performers. Lonnie traveled several times over the years to New York for performances of the Metropolitan Opera, and was a Metropolitan Opera Guild member for many years. Lonnie was also a frequent attendee at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival performances. He shared his love of music, and his extensive knowledge, with his family and friends sometimes at high volume. Lonnie was also willing to try newer music, attending a Pat Metheny Group concert in 1979 at the State Theatre at the insistence of his son Donald. Lonnie also was a talented amateur artist and many of his works decorate the walls of relatives. He was a devoted father and grandfather, raising his three sons on his own after his wife's untimely death in 1975 at age 37. He took great interest and pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Lonnie was preceded in death by his middle son, David Nicholas, in 1981, as well as by his mother in 1987 and his father and brother Carol Duane Jones, both in 1990. Lonnie is survived by two sons: Donald and Kathy (Doyle) Jones of Cary, North Carolina, and Daniel, of Battle Creek. and five grandchildren: Nathan Charles, David Nicholas, Schuyler James and Anne-Elizabeth, of Battle Creek, and Monica, of Cary, North Carolina; and sister-in-law, Mary (Tom) Tift, of Kalamazoo. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held later at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1079 Riverside Dr., Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Battle Creek Symphony or Gilmore Keyboard Festival 2010. Arrangements are by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. View on line at www.legacy.com