Robert Andrew Jones

Robert Andrew Jones ("Bob") lost his battle against lung cancer and COPD on November 23, 2025. His passing was not unexpected, but the timing was very much so. He leaves many family members and friends grieving the loss of one so loving and interesting.

Bob was born in Chicago on September 13, 1942 to parents John I. Jones ("Jack") and Rachel M. Jones ("Rae"). Rae was a teenage immigrant from Wales and Jack's parents hailed from Wales as well. Bob was immensely proud throughout his life of his 100% Welsh heritage.

Bob was the big brother to David Jones (Susan) in Bloomington, IN, Nancy Miller (Clarence) in Oak Park, IL, and Gwen Solowicz (Mark) in Lake Geneva, WI. He loved daughter Meredith Kelvingon in Chicago and son Matthew Jones (Sandy Diaz) in Aurora, IL. Only one week before his untimely passing Bob and "Mer" and "Matt" shared a special visit in Bloomington, creating everlasting warm memories. Bob is also survived by Aunt June Jones, the last of her generation in the Jones family, special family friend Jane King, many cousins, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Bob's early schooling began at Byford School in Chicago until 1953 when his family moved from Chicago to Oak Park, IL where Bob attended Whittier School and Oak Park River Forest High School. Subsequently he graduated from Parsons College in Iowa where he majored in English. Bob's post-college professional life was in banking. He rose to be an officer in Chicago and suburban banks.

Upon retiring Bob said farewell to a host of special friends, notably ones in the Long Grove, IL area and relocated to Bloomington, IN. There he joined as many as six family members over time and made innumerable new friends. Among them was a group of men who gathered most weekdays for lunch and conversation, and another group that regularly shared Friday evening meals at the Bloomington Country Club. A final group to mention is friends and neighbors located at Bob's home in the Meadowood Retirement Community.

Bob's interests were significant and far ranging. His support for Chicago and Illinois based sporting teams Bears, Cubs, University of Illinois, and Northwestern University never wavered. His move to Bloomington added Indiana University teams to the list of teams whose game broadcasts were not to be missed. He also participated in sports. He was a dedicated golfer as an adult. His love of this game led him to be a committed supporter of the Bobby Jones Open golf association for which his own name perfectly qualified him.

For many years Bob also committed his energies to activities and organizations that made the world a better place. Among them was Rotary International. He served as President of Rotary chapters in Long Grove, IL and Bloomington, IN. A special role in this organization was that of host to Rotary International exchange students, notably Newton Pietraroia ("Ding") whose high school year in Bloomington led several years later to a distinguished career as an attorney in his home Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ding was almost a second son to Bob. Likewise for years Bob was a supporter of the IU School of Music based triennial USA International Harp Competition. Among the young contestants he hosted for this prestigious event was Melanie Laurent who was named the winner of the 2019 competition. She now holds the position of principal harpist in the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in France. Bob was so proud of her.

This reflection on Bob's life would be incomplete without telling the happy story of how Ms. Laurent happened to be paired with Bob as host for the 2019 Harp Competition. It was her special request that she be at a home with a dog. And what a dog Bob's Kerry Blue Terrier was. Bob thought "Murphy" was friendly, loyal, and intelligent beyond belief. They were inseparable for every good reason.

There is so much more to be said about the life of Bob Jones. But perhaps these expressions are best saved for his Celebration of Life to be held later, after the holidays. At that time others will be encouraged to share their memories of Bob.

Until then, anyone who wishes to celebrate Bob's special place in our lives might consider contributing to the following causes that meant so much to him:

USA International Harp Competition at https://usaihc.org/donate

The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 with checks noting "In honor of Robert Jones, member of the Sunrise Rotary Club in Bloomington, Indiana"

No services are scheduled at this time, cremation rites have been accorded. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory is being entrusted to handle the arrangements.