Gary Allen Jones

Although there was no way of knowing or any sort of planning, his last day was spent just as he would have wanted it - surrounded by his family and in the outdoors. Gary Allen Jones, 70 of Mansfield passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 29, 2018. Gary was born in Mansfield ,Ohio on August 24, 1947 to Owen and Alda Jones.

Gary, a graduate of Ontario High School and The Ohio State University also served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a medic. Gary worked for Lumberman’s Mutual Insurance for more than twenty years before retiring. Gary also returned to work for Jay Plastics for a number of years after this. In his full retirement, Gary spent many days volunteering at the Gorman Nature Center and found his true enjoyment at the Bird Sanctuary in Ontario.

Gary was a thoughtful and kind man who loved his family deeply. Gary adored his wife Janice and it was evident to anyone around that the feeling was mutual. Gary and Jan were married for 50 years and together they enjoyed traveling, playing tennis and pickle ball, reading, and simply sharing their lives together. They have two children, Stephanie Meredith (Evan) of Cincinnati and Ben Jones (Kristie) of Columbia, South Carolina and four grandchildren: Joseph, Lauren, Sofia and Jake who were the loves and light of Gary’s life.

Gary was the co-founder of Cypress Cellars and enjoyed both the wine making (and we are sure he would like us to mention) tasting process, but family and the outdoors were without question, the most important parts of Gary’s life. Gary loved to be outside in the woods. He appreciated and enjoyed all of nature whether it was tending to his beautiful summer garden or watching the birds and squirrels from his deck. He loved fishing and kayaking, feeding the deer and the fish from his home and walking through the woods. These moments were only made more special if one of his children or grandchildren were by his side ….and they often were.

Gary was a good man, a devoted husband, a loving father and simply incredibly grandfather who will be terribly missed. His loving wife, Janice, children Stephanie and Evan Meredith and Ben and Kristie Jones, as well as his grandchildren Joe and Lauren Meredith and Sofie and Jake Jones survive him. His brother and sister-in-law, Leslie and Kathy Jones and his father-in-law, Joe Mento as well as nieces, nephews and many friends, also survive Gary. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alda Brook (Jones), father, Owen Jones, and sister Phyllis Zimmerman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary’s name to the Bird Sanctuary of Ontario Ohio, where he spent much time and found great happiness and peace. A memorial service for Gary will be held at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 pm and a service will be held at 7:30pm. The family will welcome anyone to share loving words or stories about Gary’s life at that time.