Francis Dean Jones

Francis Dean Jones, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. He was born Feb. 6, 1931, in Sheldon, Mo., the son of Earl Robert Jones and Iva Marie Tyree Jones. He was married to Marlys Ann Bruncheon Jones in Waterloo, Iowa.

Francis served in the United States Navy, including a tour in the Korean War. He worked in the automobile industry all his life, which he thoroughly enjoyed, retiring from Don Wessel Oldsmobile Honda.

In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine and Peggy; and one brother, Robert.

He is survived by his wife, Marlys; four children, Wendy, Jeff, Marcia and Elaine; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Francis was generous, kind and loving. Above all else, he was a devoted family man; he was ever present throughout our lives. He was passionate about sports, the St. Louis Cardinals, horses and the Mizzou Tigers, which gave him the nickname "Tiger" by his great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be today, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Mo.