Charles Francis Jones

Chuck was born on November 11, 1977, in Omaha, Nebraska, where he lived his entire life surrounded by family, friends, and laughter. He was the beloved son of Arley Franklin Jones and Kathleen Ann Jones (née Brannen), and a devoted brother to Mary Kathleen Jones (fiance Chris Tubrick), David Thomas Jones (Catharine Richert Jones), and Howard Franklin Jones (Mindy Jones).

Always the fun Uncle, Charlie loved his nieces and nephews, too. He is survived by Emily Jones (fiance Adam Assmus), Nick Jones, Arley Jones, Amelia Jones and Ian Jones.

Chuck's life was rich with friendships—deep, loyal bonds he held close to his heart. With his warm personality, big laugh, and magnetic charm, Chuck had a gift for connecting with people. He built a career in sales—an ideal fit for someone so deeply loved and trusted by everyone he met. He also had a lifelong love of stand-up comedy and brought joy to countless lives with his quick wit and fearless humor, whether performing on stage or just holding court in a backyard or living room.

Chuck was passionate about sports and fiercely loyal to his teams. The obvious being our hometown team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he proudly cheered on the Atlanta Braves and, through thick and thin, the Raiders—often sharing both joy and frustration in equal measure. He was always the one to make you laugh at a botched play or celebrate a rare win with full-hearted glee.

But more than anything, Chuck loved his son, Kelsen Dizona. Being a father was his greatest pride and purpose. He never missed a chance to tell others how proud he was of Kelsen. Watching him grow and play football was one of his greatest joys in life.

Chuck also carried a strength many may not have seen. In so many ways, he was too big for this world—too passionate, too honest, too vividly himself to always fit neatly into the molds life set out for him. This was never more true than in the last year of his life, which many know was marked by profound difficulty. But even then—especially then—Chuck’s perseverance was nothing short of remarkable. He kept showing up. He kept loving, laughing, and fighting forward. His tenacity, even in the face of struggle, revealed a deep, enduring courage that those who knew him will never forget.

Chuck’s love for family extended far and wide. His family always knew he’d be there with a quick reminder, “this is family” when other priorities were being considered. He cherished the deep bond he shared with his many cousins, who were more like siblings than relatives. Each year, he looked forward to the annual family reunion at Platte River State Park—days filled with grilling, laughter, late-night storytelling, and so much more. He was also a founding member of the Manhattan League fantasy baseball group—a tradition spanning decades honoring his Grandmother Mary Frances Brannen—and the recently renamed Charles F. Jones Memorial Pitch Tournament will continue to celebrate the joy, rivalry, and camaraderie he helped create.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 30th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Papillion, followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Columbkille.

Chuck will be remembered as the life of the party, a fiercely loyal friend, and a man who led with love, laughter, and generosity. As one friend put it, “he achieved legendary status early on—hilarious, iconic, and deeply loved.” That legacy will live on in all who knew him.

In honor of Chuck’s legacy and to support the future of his beloved son, a trust fund is being established for Kelsen.

Chuck left this world far too soon, but his humor, kindness, and unwavering love for those he held dear will echo for generations. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with joy.