Born in Upper Michigan, July 5, 1932, to deceased parents Emery and Mary Jones. He remarried in 1992 and is survived by his wife Rita in Lakeland, FL; his four children from his earlier marriage, Catherine Jones, Sherry Jones, Renee Jones Proctor (Scott), and David Jones (Laura); two step-children, Marc Hartman (Beth), Cindi Lynch (Greg); grandchildren, Justin Hegarty (Carly), Travis Jones, Abbey Proctor, and Allie Hartman; his great-granddaughter, Aria Hegarty; as well as his sister in law, Helen Jones of Stephenson, MI.
Following four years of service in USAF from June 1952 to 1956 as a MATS Airborne Radio Operator on the C-124 Globemaster with Top Clearance Flights to the Far East and Europe/England during the Korean War and the Cold War period, overseas assignment was in Tachikawa, Japan prior to his honorable discharge.
Gene received his industrial Education BS degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stout State University in 1962 when he joined Appleton Papers, Appleton, WI. He held several positions at Appleton Papers including Human Relations, Personnel Training, Production and Inventory Control, and Industrial Engineering. After 11 years with that company he went into the retail clothing business in a northern Illinois area near Chicago as a proprietor. In 1985 he joined Gingiss Formalwear of Chicago as a Franchise Business Advisor, with regional assignments over the next 12 years. In 1992 Gene and Rita moved to Florida and opened the first Mail Boxes Etc. franchise in Polk County at Lake Miriam Square Shopping Center in Lakeland, FL. They operated the store (now UPS Store) until selling and retiring in 2003.
After retirement he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with family and friends. He loved his many road trips visiting many National Parks along with Rita and their beloved pet, Sam, and touring the U.S. having succeeded in visiting all fifty states and trips to Mexico and Canada.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, Gene’s favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ottlaughlinfuneralhome.com for the Jones family.
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