Paul Jones, Sr.

Paul E. Jones, Sr., 87, of Mansfield, died early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2008 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born August 19, 1920 in Butler, he was the son of Frank and Minnie Darling Jones. Paul was retired from Lucas Schools where he worked as a bus driver and had also owned and operated the Wayside Inn in Mifflin. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he proudly served his country during WWII. Paul was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. Post 3494 and had previously been a member of Moose Lodge #341. A man who never met a stranger, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul E. and Linda Jones of Ontario; four grandchildren, Tunya Jeff Moorhead of Shelby, Rhonda Gary Kline of Ashland, Tabitha Frey and Jonathan Janine Jones, all of Lucas; six great-grandchildren, twins-Zachary and Blake Frey, Emily Frey, Willis Frey, Hunter Jones, Jillian Jones, and Olyvia Moorhead; two brothers, Virgil Lee Jones of Mansfield and Harrison Jean Jones of Loudonville; a sister, Flossie George Poff of Arlington, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his former wife, Esther Bittinger Jones in 1993; parents; former companion, Eleanor Byerly; sisters, Rhea Hiresik, Zelma Mowery, Thelma Stewart, and Sharlotte Fry; and brothers, Francis, Ira, Robert, Harley and Larue Jones.

Friends may call Thursday, March 13 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Beverly Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Zehner Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 3716 Bellville North Rd., Mansfield, OH 44904.