Richard McAfee “Dick” Jones, age 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord early on Sunday morning, March 6, 2011, at the Morning View Care Center in Marion following an extended illness.
On August 20, 1934, Richard was born in Marion, Ohio, the son of the late Paul and Altha (McAfee) Jones.
He graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1952, all of whom he would remain lifelong friends with.
One night at the old L & K Restaurant, Dick saw a young lady whom he had to meet, Marilyn Wolfe. He gave her his car and they were riding together the next day. Shortly thereafter, Dick and Marilyn were married on February 3, 1957, at the Community United Methodist Church in Marion. Together they have cherished their fifty four years of marriage.
After receiving his license to be a boiler operator from the Marion Correctional Institute, Dick transferred to the Parker-Harrifin Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1997.
A man of deep faith, Dick was an active member of the Fairpark Community Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and their “Mr. Fix It.” It was often said that Dick missed his calling and that he should have been a preacher, this was evident by the nickname he had been given “the Rev.”
With a love for the outdoors, Dick and Marilyn loved to spend as much time as they could on Lake Erie. He loved the peace and quiet time on the water, especially when he was fishing. They also enjoyed many travels together, often traveling with his former classmates to places like Hawaii and Texas.
An avid golfer, Dick always excelled on the links, even being able to win the B Flight of a Heart of Ohio golf outing. He would go golfing as often as he could, and he was normally found either at Mar-O-Dell or Hickory Grove Golf Course. He also thoroughly enjoyed bowling in his younger days, bowling in as many leagues as he could.
A proud member of the Liar’s Club, Dick looked forward to having breakfast with his friends at McDonald’s where “they would solve all of the world’s problems.”
A caring and protective father, Dick was often referred to as a “worry wart” because he always wanted to make sure his daughters were safe and taken care of. Also, he was always there for them and encouraged them to do their best.
Having a heart of gold, Dick truly “saw the best in everyone.” He also “never met a stranger,” as he could talk with anyone about anything. His family often teased him that he could even carry a great conversation with a wall or a pole.
Dick will be dearly missed by his wife, Marilyn Jones of Marion; three daughters; Leeann (Michael) Krikau of Elkhart, Indiana, Frances Butz of Benton, Kentucky, and Kim (J.) Vance of Marion; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Debrah Jones; a brother, Jack Jones; and a sister, Julia Vehrs.
The Jones family will observe services privately at one of his favorite places, Lake Erie.
Rather than flowers, his family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Fairpark Community Baptist Church, c/o the furnace fund, 940 Bermuda Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home of Marion is honored to serve Richard’s family. For those wishing to express their private condolences to Richard’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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