Charles Howard Jones

Howard was born on November 3, 1943, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, to C.H. and Winnie Marie (Banks) Jones. From an early age, he developed a love of learning, service, and people—qualities that would guide his life and career.

On May 30, 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Dona Link, in Springfield, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in faith, education, and family, and were blessed with three children: Stacy, Christian, and Jonathan.

Howard dedicated his life to education and service. Prior to his retirement, he was a lifelong educator who served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, worked with the Missouri School Board Association, and contributed to the University of Missouri’s Department of Education, as well as the Missouri State Department of Education. He cared deeply about students, schools, and communities, and he believed strongly in the power of education to change lives.

Howard was a faithful member of Christian Fellowship Church in Columbia, where his faith was lived out through worship, service, and mission work. Throughout his life he had many interests and joys, which included photography, fishing, traveling, art, camping, mission trips, and listening to music—especially Irish music, preferably played loud. Above all else, Howard treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and pride.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dona Jones of Columbia; his children, Stacy Van Beek and her husband James of Eagle, Colorado, Christian Jones and his wife Ashley of Columbia, Missouri, and Jonathan Jones and his wife Christina of Jackson, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Chancelor, Emily, Haley, Lincoln, Stevie, Heidi, Jenna, Peter, Alyssa, Joshua, Jacob, and Daniel; and five great-grandchildren, Ezra, Luke, Winnie, Jasper, and Julius. He is also survived by his brother, Stan Jones and his wife Barbara of Ballwin, Missouri, along with nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at the visitation, which will be held Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church in Columbia, Missouri. A service celebrating and honoring Howard’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Private committal prayers and burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.

As an option to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheltering Wings at www.sheltering-wings.org. Select Region “West Africa” Mission C/O Ruth Cox. Sheltering Wings partners with churches by sending missionaries who carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world-in word and in deed.