Grant Rex Jones

1926 - 2016

Grant Rex Jones

On June 20, 2016, the world lost one of the best men and farmers in Greene County. Grant "Rex" Jones, 90, left this earth with the same dignity and gratitude that he exhibited daily. He was born on May 4, 1926, the eighth child of Charles F. and Maude (Carpenter) Jones, in Springfield, Missouri.

Rex attended Willard Schools, thereafter joining the Merchant Marines where he sailed his first ship across the Pacific soon after his enlistment. Traveling to ports across the globe included experiences he was grateful for, but his roots brought him back to the family farm in Missouri. In 1948 he met and married his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth Juanita Rogers. As they began their life and family together they lived in various parts of Texas and Louisiana where Rex worked as a master tradesman welder. In 1955 they returned to the Missouri farm he grew up on and continued his life in farming. Later, he also became a home builder and helped many families realize their dream of home ownership by assisting in financing. A frequent quote of Rex's was, "If you like what you do, you won't have to work a day in your life." It was pure pleasure for him to be on a tractor farming the ground or swinging a hammer to build something. Rex loved playing his piano and guitar and thought music made one's life happier. His family was his richest treasure and delighted in large family gatherings. Having been baptized in Clear Creek as a young man, his values and principles were best instilled in his family by the way he lived; working hard, helping others, and valuing simple things. His legacy of daily gratitude, will always be remembered by his expression, "There ain't nobody who's had a better life than me."

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruth J. Rogers; son, Garry Jones; daughter, Debby McCoy; second wife, Wilma Biellier; brothers, Clifford Jones (Eunice), William Jones (Margaret); sisters, Inez Kelly (Francis), Marjorie Wiley (Jim), Gladys Roach (Ed), and Helen Harrell (Phil).

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Johnson; sister-in-law, Jean Young; sons, Doug Jones (Debbie), Mark Jones (Anita); daughter, Becky Haseltine (Keith); grandchildren, Stephanie Hein (Tony), Jeff Jones (Tricia), Dallas Jones (Melanie), Amanda Haseltine, Nicholas Jones, Matthew Haseltine (Erin), Ashton Jones, Yvonne Patterson, Laura Creed, Kaleb Steinbaugh, Nathan Steinbaugh; great grandchildren, Megan Hein, Emily Hein, Garon Clark, Maggie Clark, Lily Clark, Grant Jones, Noah Jones, Emma Powell, Arlie Sullivan, Lucas and Callie McCleod; and longtime friend, E.R. Dalrymple. Special thanks to Mercy Hospice; and caretakers, Fely Jeffries, Angie Smuda, Lottie Meadows, and Joanne May for their tireless devotion to Rex.

Rex was generous and selfless, always putting the needs of those around him before his own. His sense of humor, wit, compassion, eternal optimism, and devotion to others are a small part of the legacy he leaves behind. Ninety years of living and loving…unforgettable!

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel on West Division Street. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 at Clear Creek Baptist Church, 7600 Farm Road 108 west of Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3322 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com