Donald Gene Jones

Don passed away at age 93 on December 31, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He was born to parents Marie (Stanislawski) and Henry Jones in Hammond, Indiana on October 17, 1931. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Joanna (Jopie Groenewold), Don is survived by son Steve (Julie) Jones and daughter Terri Jones along with six grandchildren Samantha (Christian) Menghi, Amanda Martin, Rey Martin, Olivia Jones, Sophie Jones (Casey Christensen), and Ian Jones.

Don and Joanna lived in Munster, Indiana for nearly 60 years where they were members of Munster Christian Reformed Church.  Don was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the waters of Lake Michigan, Lake of the Woods, Ontario and the intercoastal waters of South Padre Island, Texas.  Don was a veteran of the US Navy and served on the USS Tarawa aircraft carrier as an aircraft mechanic. After his service he worked for the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) from 1954-1990, initially as a lineman and later in other positions.  He was a graduate of Perrysville High School in Indiana. 

Don was also preceded in death by brother Bob Jones and loving sister Gloria Unley along with dear family members Don Hawkins and Gerrit Groenewold.  He is survived by his brother Fred Jones. Don will be buried next to Joanna at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make contributions to the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center on the Campus of Discovery Pier in Traverse City, Michigan – an institution whose mission is to preserve the well-being of the Great Lakes and its fisheries.  https://discoverypier.org/givefc   Please specify “Donald Jones” in the “In Honor/Memory of” field when making a contribution.

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