Pat E. Jones

A devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved uncle, loyal friend, and tireless community servant, Pat lived a full life grounded in faith, family, and service.

Born on June 30, 1933, to HB and Mary Lucille (West) Jones, Pat was raised in a home where integrity, hard work, and Christian values ran deep.

He graduated from Kirksey High School, where he served as captain of the basketball team, and went on to earn a degree from Murray State University—laying the foundation for a lifetime of craftsmanship, leadership, and quiet wisdom.

On Christmas Day in 1954, Pat married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Doris Adams. Their extraordinary love story spanned more than 70 years—a marriage defined by laughter and unwavering devotion. In 1957, they planted roots in Sikeston, Missouri, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Over the decades, Pat became a true pillar of the community and was admired for his kindness, humility, and generous heart.

A longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Pat faithfully served for over 60 years. He was a steady presence in countless roles, from committee work to leadership in the Methodist Men’s group, where he once served as President, and as a devoted member of the church choir. In 2013, the church honored him with its very first Lifetime Service Award—a reflection of his steadfast commitment to faith, fellowship, and service.

Pat began his career as a teacher of Industrial Arts and Drafting at Sikeston High School before moving into administration at Missouri Delta Medical Center, where he served for 32 years. In retirement, he continued his quiet ministry as a greeter at Nunnelee Funeral Home, meeting grieving families in their hardest moments with warmth, compassion, and care.

His dedication to service extended into civic life as well. Pat was an active member of the Sikeston Rotary Club for over two decades and served as President during the Club’s 25th anniversary. He led by example, always living the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”

To know Pat was to know joy. He found delight in life’s simplest pleasures—a cold RC Cola with a Moon Pie, casting a line at his favorite fishing spot, tending to his garden, or sharing one of his witty jokes. His legendary fish fries, complete with hush puppies served in a shoebox, are treasured family memories. He was an avid outdoorsman, a skilled woodworker, a square dancer, a bowler, and at one point, a breeder of dachshund puppies and tropical fish.

But Pat’s greatest joy, by far, was his family. He was a deeply loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His happiest moments were spent surrounded by his grandchildren—driving them around in his truck, pushing them on the rope swing he rigged in his backyard, or playing games – Joker was a favorite – at the kitchen table. He was their safe place, their storyteller, their steady hand.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Virginia Doris Jones of Sikeston; his three children: Steve (Nancy) Jones of San Antonio, TX, Carole (Mark) Adams of Columbia, MO, and Kathy (Andrew) French of Bertrand, MO; his sister, Betty Jean Lawrence of Murray, KY; five grandchildren: Brian (Asha) Adams, Rob (Beth Ann) Adams, Eric (Callyn) Jones, Caitlin (Patrick) Maier, and Spencer Adams; six great-grandchildren: Camdyn, Eva, Carter, Zane, Alora, and Wes; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, HB and Mary Lucille Jones; his sister, Marie Lassiter; and his precious granddaughter, Catherine Michelle Adams.

Pat’s legacy is one of enduring faith, quiet strength, and joyful service. He leaves behind a family deeply rooted in his values, a community shaped by his presence, and a life story that will be told with love for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. The funeral service will take place at the same location on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Jennifer Moxley of First United Methodist Church and Danny Kuykendall of Christ Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in the Goshen United Methodist Church Cemetery in Stella, KY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Jones family.