Roll Call Tribute

Robert "Bob" Jones
October 16, 1929 - May 30, 2022

Robert Gaylon Jones, son of Fred and Clara (Orsborne) Jones, was born October 16, 1929 in Edgewood, Texas. He received his education at Edgewood High School, graduating in 1948. Bob continued his education at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, serving in the R.O.T.C., graduating in 1952.

While Bob was attending A&M, Marguerite Merrill of Des Moines, decided to travel to College Station to visit her sister, Virginia who was married to an A&M Aggie. During that visit Marguerite decided to stay for awhile and got a temporary job at the College Book Store. It was during one of Bob’s trips to the bookstore that the two of them met for the first time. It seemed that every time Bob returned to the Book Store, Marguerite was there to wait on him. That was the beginning of their budding romance. On June 7, 1951, Bob and Marguerite were united in marriage in Des Moines, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Robin, Kevin and Tom.

After their marriage Bob and Marguerite returned to College Station where Marguerite established their first home and Bob went to Virginia for R.O.T.C. camp. Bob did not attend his graduation ceremony at A&M because he had to report for duty in the United States Army at Fort Bliss, Texas. In 1953 he was sent to Korea where he served until 1954 when he was honorably discharged. Bob re-enlisted and served in the Reserves until 1983 retiring with the rank of Colonel. Bob got a job as a Vocational-Agriculture teacher at St. Ansgar, Iowa after returning from Korea. After teaching three years, Bob earned his Master’s degree at Iowa State University. He then began working at the Soil Conservation Service in Fort Dodge. They lived in Webster City and Sigourney and in 1960 purchased their first farm which was 50 acres. The Jones family lived there for six years and then Bob was transferred to Emmetsburg where they lived for a short time before making their home on their farm a mile south of Ruthven. Bob continued his employment with the Soil Conservation Service until his retirement in 1989.

Bob was a faithful and active member of United Methodist Church in Ruthven, Iowa. He was also a member of the Ruthven American Legion Post #33.

Bob loved visiting and telling stories. He was very proud to be a Texas A&M Aggie. He enjoyed gardening and working. He was a hard worker his entire life.

Bob passed away Monday, May 30, 2022 at Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Robin; a brother, Willie Fred; and two sisters, Martha and Clare.

He is survived by his wife, Marguerite of Ruthven, Iowa; two sons, Kevin (Debra) Jones of Urbandale, Iowa and Tom (Sandi) Jones of Emmetsburg, Iowa; four grandchildren, Abby, Emma, and Max Jones, and Lauren (Nate) Smith; two great-grandchildren, Reid and Benson; as well as many other relatives and friends.