Ronald E. Jones

Ronald E. Jones, 81, passed away at WFH-All Saints on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Jones was born in Racine, on February 3, 1932, the son of the late Hugh H. and Ruth M. (nee: Williamson) Jones.

Mr. Jones was a graduate of Washington Park High School class of 1950, and in 2011 was inducted into the Washington Park High School Hall of Fame.  He served his country in the USAF for 4 years. On April 25, 1953, he was united in marriage, to the love of his life, the former Suzanne Geyer, who preceded him in death on October 29, 1998.

Mr. Jones led an incredible and full life. With baseball being one of his passions, he had a tryout with the minor league St Louis Cardinals, played for the Racine Redbirds, and coached boys and girls softball. Mr. Jones received his pilot’s license in 1958. He also enjoyed collecting art and artifacts, golfing, astronomy, photography, and traveling around the world with family and friends for pleasure and to witness and photograph solar events.

Mr. Jones was a founding member of the Racine Astronomical Society where he designed the telescope and helped construct the Modine-Benstead Observatory. Mr. Jones was also a member of various organizations including: the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society of Metals, North Central Region of the Astronomical League, The Racine Rotary Club and Paul P. Harris Fellow, Racine Founders Rotary Club, Experimental Aircraft Association, International Aerobatic Association, Adler Planetarium,  Chicago Art Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Racine Heritage Museum, Racine Art Museum, Racine Zoological Society, Manitowoc Maritime Museum, Chicago Field Museum, and the United Way.

Mr. Jones had been employed by E. C. Styberg Engineering Company for over 34 years. He retired in 2012 as Vice President of Manufacturing, a position he held since December of 1987. Prior to going to E.C. Styberg he was also employed at Modine, Young Radiator and served as Vice president of Manufacturing for Andis Clipper. He also had various patents through his extensive engineering career.

Surviving are his children, David (Lynn) Jones, Julie (Linus) Lalor, and Rebecca Jones, all of Racine; 8 grandchildren, Nathan Jones of Farmington Hills, MI, Brandon (fiancée, Kelly Holz) Jones, Evan Jones, Maddie Sue Jones, Conor Lalor, Erin (Liesel) Lalor all of Racine, Colin Lalor of Kenosha, and Libby Sue Jones of Racine; one great-grandson, Findlay Lalor; sisters-in-law, Joanne Jones, Cynthia (Gerald) Nitz, all of Racine, and Karen (David) McGarin, of Chapel Hill, NC. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive him. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his brother, Hugh E. Jones.

A service of remembrance will be held in the funeral home on Monday, March 4^th, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Warren Williams officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery.

            The family has suggested memorials to the following charitable donations: Suzanne T Jones Memorial Scholarship, Junior Masters, or American Cancer Society.

            The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Mullane and his oncology staff, Dr. James Taylor and his staff at The Wheaton-Franciscan Cancer Center, and special thanks to the WFH ICU for their kind and thoughtful care during his short illness.