St. Clair County Obits

MELVILLE E. JONES

St. Clair County Courier
 7 July 2006
Melville Ephus Metz Jones, the eighth of 13 children. was born November 2, 1913, in Deepwater to Eli and Ollie Earthy Park Jones. He passed away June 30, 2006, at Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola.
Metz grew up on the family farm in the Park Grove community. He attended Park Grove Elementary School and graduated from Lowry City High School in 1936.
After graduation Metz worked on the farm with his father and brother until he was called into the service during WWII. He was in the Air Force, serving in the European Theatre Operation.
After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Metz was united in marriage to Helen Foster. They established their home in the Park Grove community where they purchased a farm. Metz took great pride in raising good cattle.
In 1950 he took the greatest step of his life and accepted Christ as his savior. Metz and Helen became members of the Park Grove Christian Church. He was a very faithful member and served the church in whatever position he felt needed and served as an Elder for many years.
Metz was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lee, David, Eli, and two in infancy; five sisters, Eathel, Edna, Pearl, Ollie and Maye.
He leaves behind his wife, Helen, of 59 years; two sisters, Ruby Bowyer of Gunnison, Colo. and Crystal Sanders and her husband, Bob of Memphis, Tenn., three sisters-in-laws, Hazel Foster, Mildred King and her husband Ralph and Emma Jane Anderson and her husband, Frank, 23 nieces and nephews and many many friends.
Services were July 4 at Park Grove Christian Church, officiated by Rev. Bob Fenwick and Rev. Shawn Sealy.
Music chosen was "Amazing Grace" with Mark Smith as soloist and "The Solid Rock" by the congregation, Gay Smith, pianist.
Casketbearers were Craig Wilkins, John Jones, Wade Hammel, Jim Snyder, Claude Anderson and Steve Sanders.
Honorary Casketbearers were Jim Wilkins, Merril Jones, Dale Tucker, Harold Snyder, Dave Andes, George Hankins, Gary Jones, Wilford Harper and John McClure.
Interment was in Park Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.