Rev. Richard A. Jones

Reverend Richard A. Jones,95, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home following a long illness.

He was born October 11, 1930, in Athol, Massachusetts, the son of William and Martha (Whitney) Jones. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.  He then went on to the University of Connecticut to study animal husbandry before answering God’s call to ministry which led him to continued his education at Andover Newton College, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree.

Richard was proud to serve his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant before receiving an honorable discharge. His service to his nation was a source of lasting pride throughout his life.

A man of deep and abiding Christian faith, Reverend Jones devoted many years to sharing God’s love and serving others through ministry. He served as pastor of the Congregational United Church of Christ churches first in Castalia, then in Burton Ohio. He was also a faithful member of Jefferson Congregational UCC, a supply pastor for many area churches, and a volunteer pastoral-care provider at several local nursing homes. Through his sermons, compassion, and quiet presence, Richard touched many lives and faithfully lived the Christian values he preached.

In addition to his ministry, Richard worked as the Corporate Safety Officer for Johnson Rubber Company in Middlefield, Ohio, retiring in
1999.   He was a member of the Jefferson Ministerial Association, ROTC, and 4-H. Through 4-H, he had the meaningful opportunity to travel to South America as a representative of the United States. In his leisure time, he was an avid golfer and he enjoyed watching sports.

On July 29, 1979, in Jefferson, Ohio, Richard married Franelle Patricia Hughes, his devoted wife of 47 years. Their marriage was blessed with love, happiness, mutual admiration, and a steadfast commitment to one another. Above all else, Richard cherished his family. He often said that the greatest blessings God had given him were his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he treasured every moment shared with them.

He is survived by his loving family: his wife, Fran; son, Duane Kertyzak; daughter, Tracy (Jim) Lake; grandchildren, Matthew, Kyle, Rae Marie and Kailey; and great-grandchildren, Kash, Norah, Emery, Jaycee, Keegan, and Guiliana; as well as many dear nieces and nephews far and near

He was preceded in death by his parents; his adopted son, Robert Jones; his grandson, Tyler Lake; one brother; and two sisters.

A celebration of Reverend Jones’s life and faithful ministry will be held on Saturday September 26th at 1:00 at Jefferson Congregational UCC; Rev. William Terry will preside.  A lite luncheon will follow at the church.

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