David Marvin "Dave" Jones

David Marvin Jones, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on September 25, 2025, after an unexpected and serious illness. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Beth, and daughters, Chelsea Mitchell (Mark) and Monica Meeks (Ryan); sisters Rita Herrmann and Renee Going, brother Douglas Jones; nephews Aaron Jacobs, Nathan Going, Noah Going, Andrew Jones, and David Jones (his namesake); and nieces, Rebecca Rice, Emma Jones and Ella Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ingrid Jones; his parents-in-law, Russell and Lois Kerr, and his brother-in-law (who he said he loved like a brother), Mike Going.

David came into this world in Germany in 1960. His father was in the Army, and the family was stationed at Baumholder Army Base. David was born early with underdeveloped lungs, and the doctors warned his parents that he probably would not survive. Then, one morning as his father was walking up the stairs of the hospital, he heard a baby robustly crying and just knew it was David. And it was. His early years were spent living abroad and in a variety of states as the family travelled with their parents who worked for the Department of Defense and Army Corps of Engineers. Home base was always Bloomfield, Indiana, surrounded there by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When Dave's parents bought The Livery Stable in Tarpon Springs, Dave was just 18 years old. It was here in Tarpon Springs that the family settled down for good, and he met the love of his life, Beth.

To David's delight, Beth's two daughters were part of the package. Dave's mother would say that the first time she met Chelsea, she looked just like a porcelain doll with long blond curls sitting on his lap. Dave and Chelsea's relationship was strong and deep. He was her father. He built her bedroom furniture, helped her with homework, and took her to Civil Air Patrol meetings as a cadet. Their favorite activity together was going to air shows; she flew down in March to go with him to the Tampa Bay Air Fest at MacDill AFB, not realizing it would be their last. He was so proud of Monica and told her so. He acknowledged her drive and passion with a father's pride. In later years, when she would call him Dad, it meant so much to him.

He started working for Pinellas School District as a bus driver. He eventually moved into the teaching field as a paraprofessional for the school district. He worked at Calvin Huntsinger School (a school for children with disabilities and behavior issues) for most of his career (23 years), loving the job and the people with whom he worked. Dave became a mainstay in the Shop program, sharing his love and creativity for carpentry, tools, and wood with students, allowing them to build confidence and have a sense of accomplishment. He developed strong and lasting relationships with his fellow teachers which he truly cherished. Dave was known for his kindness and hugs and unexpected gifts made of wood.

David, in his quiet and unassuming way, brought so much joy and positivity into the lives of those who knew him. His unexpected passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends.