Kenneth P. Jones

Ken was born on July 20, 1931, in Boonsboro, MO, to Paul Jones and Mary Lou Boggs Jones, who preceded him in death.

A 1949 Hickman High School graduate, Ken went on to receive a business degree with a concentration in marketing from the University of Missouri in 1953. A lifelong Kansas City Royals fan, Ken played American Legion and Ben Johnson baseball in his youth.

Known for his easygoing charm and quick wit — “I’m the last of a dying breed, I’ve only had one job and one wife” — Ken was married to Nellie Pearl Kyger from January 30, 1954, until her death on April 2, 2020.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, obtaining the rank of Captain. After military service, Ken worked at Shelter Insurance for 40 years. He received the Edward Rochie Hardy Prize as the Most Distinguished Graduate of 1961 from the Insurance Institute of America and would go on to obtain both CPCU and CLU designations.

Ken is survived by his three devoted children, Janice Nelson (Harris), Paula Brown (Brent) and Randy Jones (Derek Wakefield), all of Columbia; grandchildren: Adam Crutchfield (Chesterfield), Blake Crutchfield, Whitney Brown, Wade Brown, Maribeth Jones (Columbia), Kevin Jones (Herndon, VA); and three great-grandchildren: Max, Darcy, and Delaney Crutchfield (Chesterfield).

In addition to spending time with his family, Ken enjoyed Mizzou sports, golf, reading, crossword puzzles, G&D Pizza, Jeopardy—and living up to his unofficial title as “Mayor of the Mall.”

Of the many extraordinary caregivers, the family would like to acknowledge Dr. Christina Stixrud, Beth Johnson, LPN, and Compassus Hospice Care.