Ralph A Jones

JONES

Ralph Allen Jones, 85, of London, Ohio went home to the waiting arms of the Lord and many family and friends on April 2, 2021 at Grant Medical Center after a courageous 2 year journey with cancer.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, April 16, 1935 to John Ellsworth Jones and Mary Elizabeth Terry Jones, Ralph was the eldest of three sons.

He married the love of his life, Elsie Jean Colwell Jones, on July 31, 1957. From this bond a Daughter, Jacqueline Sue Jones Holton of London was born in 1964.

Ralph was rarely idle with his hands, his mind or his heart. He worked in his workshop until his health would not allow him, only recently, although he was still thinking of things he could do when he got better. He began his woodworking/carpentry apprenticeship with his Father and Grandfather at the age of 13 and has worked in the trade ever since while working other jobs on the side along the way. He was a member of the Carpenter’s Union and helped erect dormitories for the Ohio State University, as an example. He helped design and build the original Cowling Park Shelter House in London, a project he was proud to be a part of. He worked numerous factory jobs including his turn in the ranks at the Brillo plant. He dabbled in horse racing and rodeos, riding Brahma bulls, and Feather Weight Boxing. In his later years, he became known for furniture building, repair and refinishing. He was a forum admin on Wood Magazine where he did tutorials and quizzes, deeply engraining himself in the woodworking community worldwide. His last formal employment position was that of Carpentry Teacher at the Madison Correctional Institute.

During his life he was also committed to the Military. He joined the Marines and was on the front lines in the Korean conflict. After the Marines, he signed up for the Army National Guard and later the Air Force Reserves, from which he retired in 1995. During his military career he earned silver stars and 2 Purple Hearts among numerous other awards. He was active in the VFW Post 1176. He performed taps every Memorial Day with the group at all London ceremonies for 42 consecutive years. In his spare time throughout his life, he played a wash tub bass and harmonicas in various Country, Gospel and Bluegrass music groups. He had performed at the Grand Ole’ Opry, Renfro Valley and local venues and festivals. Although he was a hard worker, he had a sense of humor and was very proud of his family. He was always quick to tell a joke or tease.

He is survived by his Daughter, Granddaughter, Desiree Holton (Nick DeVivo) of California, Step Grandson Kenneth W. (Rebekah) Holton of Georgia, Step Great Grandson Kenneth D. Holton of London and Step Great Granddaughter Madison Holton, Step Great Great Grandchildren. Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Brother and Sisters-In-Law, Cousins and Friends. He also leaves behind his beloved fur kids Geovoni and Patches. He was preceded in death by his Wife, Elsie, Son-In Law, Michael Holton, Parents, Brothers, Ronald E. Jones and Raymond A. Jones, Grandparents, numerous beloved Aunts, Uncles, Brothers and Sisters-In-Law and several Nieces and Nephews. Although his hands are now idle, the creativity, work ethic, drive and love of Country and life will carry on through his family that he cherished and his work will be dabbled throughout the lives of those who he shared his work with. Never to be forgotten. Oh, the stories he could tell. If he touched your life in one way or another, please continue his story. The family would like to thank the Madison Health Oncology Team for their amazing care, concern and compassion during his journey. Appreciation also goes to the crew at the M&M Diner for treating him so special.

Public visitation will take place 4 PM-7PM Friday, April 9, 2021 in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 N. Main Street, London. Public Funeral Services will be held in the funeral home at 1 PM Saturday, April 10th with Pastor Virgil Green officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Somerford Township Cemetery. Covid guidelines will be followed. You can attend the outdoor interment at the cemetery and not attend the funeral service, if you wish.

Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.

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