Bob was born July 6, 1942 in Nevada, Missouri to Albert E. and Lillian I. Jones.
As a young boy, Bob was a member of the Columbus Boys Choir in Princeton, New Jersey from 1953-1956 singing to the audiences of Ed Sullivan and singing with artists like Burl Ives. Bob had appearances on the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV Special-Amahl and The Night Visitor.
A graduated of the 1960 Class at North High in Wichita, Kansas, Bob then attended Wichita University and Tulsa University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida in 1977 also while starting his military career in the US Army starting with serving two tours in Vietnam from 1968 through 1970 as a Warrant Officer Aviator flying Helicopters in his first tour and during his second tour, he returned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army. Bob took a lot of pride calling the US Army his career for 20 years retiring as a Major and earning many awards and accommodations including, Vietnam Campaign Medal, U.S. Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Achievement (2 times), Air Medal (34 times), Meritorious Service, A Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bob had his second retirement from the Kansas City International Airport after 32 years working in in the EPA Division.
His hobbies included working on stained glass, collecting Missouri Pacific Railroad memorabilia, singing in the church choirs, and working puzzles and playing the lotto but never winning!!! From an early age, music was important to him and he kept that passion going all his life, singing, playing the keyboard or organ. Bob’s grandchildren, Jack and Madeleine were very important to him and he enjoyed being a very active volunteer at their school, Northland Christian and in their lives.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nancy Barton.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Kit Jones; his daughter, Angela (Rob) Smith; 2 grandchildren, Jack Smith & Madeleine Smith; sister-in-law, Sue (Lyle) Klamm; nieces & nephews, Kristin, Kandi (Nick), Susan (Ed), Nat (Gerri), Pat, David, Mary Kate, & Isabelle and their spouses.
