Daniel "Dan" Claude Jones

May 3, 1947 – May 14, 2025

Daniel Claude Jones of Ashland, Ohio, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was 78 years old.

Born on May 3, 1947, in Walker County, Alabama, Dan was the beloved son of the late Odan G. and Erlean (Kyzer) Jones. On April 14, 1973, he married the love of his life, Mary Gurney. Together they built a life grounded in love, family, and hard work.

Dan began his professional journey as the owner and operator of J & D Construction in Bristol, Connecticut. In 1986, he co-founded Carousel Works Inc. with a business partner—an endeavor that would become the defining work of his career. While his partner led the artistic vision of the company, Dan took charge of the financial operations, construction oversight, and management of installations. His leadership helped guide the company from a small startup into the #1 manufacturer of wooden carousels in the entire world.

In 1988, Dan brought Carousel Works to Mansfield, Ohio, to install the Richland County Carousel in the heart of downtown. Enchanted by the community, he relocated both his business and his family there, continuing to lead the company until his retirement in 2020.

Dan’s work took him around the globe, overseeing the installation of carousels in places such as Finland, France, and South Korea. Among his most meaningful projects was a commission for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio—a project he personally managed from start to finish, ensuring every detail was perfectly executed to create a joyful experience for the hospital’s young patients and their families. The whimsical, larger-than-life wooden animals are now a beloved part of the hospital’s healing environment.

Dan also had a passion for classic cars and took great pride in his prized 1976 Corvette. He was a longtime Boy Scout Leader, a steady mentor, and a devoted craftsman known for his quiet strength, humility, and dedication.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Jones; his son, Ryan (Tracy) Jones; two grandchildren, Devin Goschinski and Gabrielle Goschinski; and three siblings, James Jones, Donna Darnell, and Rhonda Reynolds. He will be remembered for his ingenuity, work ethic, and deep love for his family and community.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wappner Funeral Directors–Ashland, 308 Claremont Avenue. A private interment will be held at a later date in South Paris, Maine.