Leonard Dale Jones (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Leonard Dale Jones, son of Wiley and Joy Lane Jones, was born January 24, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, August 7, 2012, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years, six months, and thirteen days.
On June 22, 1957, he was united in marriage to Melba Jean Webb, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and Ray Jones.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Melba, of the home; a son, Brent Jones, and his wife, Lora, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Marsha Middleton, and her husband, Scott, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ryan, Wesley, Ethan, Adrianne, Jared, and Darin; seven great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Grayson, Hailey, Addison, Max, Reed, and Davin; two sisters, Wilma Fisher, and her husband, Marion, of Webb City, Missouri, and Carol Potter, of Clintwood, Virginia; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, until he was six years old and the family moved to Polk, Missouri. In 1950, the family moved to Lebanon, and Leonard graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1953. He then served his country faithfully in the United States Army and was stationed in Panama, just after the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Lebanon, where he and Melba made their home and lovingly raised their family. Leonard worked for the Foremost Dairy for a few years, and then was employed by the Taystee Bread Company. He and Melba co-owned and operated Modern Cleaners for fifteen years, and made many friends through business contacts. Later, Leonard and Melba operated buses for the Lebanon Head Start Transportation for thirteen years.
Leonard had professed his faith in Christ early in his life and was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church, in Oakland, Missouri. He was steadfast in his convictions and was always willing to help others, particularly mowing yards.
In his spare time he enjoyed working on his farm, and tinkering with cars and lawn mowers. He loved singing and playing the guitar and passed on his musical skills to his children and grandchildren. He was always friendly and enjoyed visiting with his friends. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Leonard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments, and know that his family and friends will treasure the memories he made for them throughout his lifetime.
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