Richard Jones

JONES, Richard "Dick"
Of Gobles, Michigan Richard Henry Jones passed peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, July 31, 2009, after a long and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Known as "Dick" to friends and family, he succumbed to complications while cracking jokes and appreciating the extra time God had given him with his family. Dick was born February 7, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of Paul B. and Genevieve Mann Jones. His life was filled with the quest for knowledge, the love of family and his thirst for sports. Dick graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School before attending Western Michigan University and receiving his bachelor's degree in Pulp and Paper Technology while being a devoted member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Kay Kovalchik, on April 2, 1959, he simultaneously continued his advanced education at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University of Ohio. He then embarked on a 52-year career as a paper executive, where he earned the moniker "The Paper Man." Dick's love of family spanned over 72 years. The youngest of four children, Dick was preceded in death by his brother Paul and is survived by his two sisters Sally Bordenet and Beverly Roschek. He is also survived by his beautiful wife Kay of Gobles, Mich.; son Rick and wife Kerri of Caledonia, Mich.; son Rob and wife Stacy of Edmond, Okla.; and daughter Becky and husband Sean Murphy of Oklahoma City. Dick also had the pleasure of spending time with his six grandchildren: Erin, Trey, Ro, Kaylee, Kadi and Hannah. His love of family is rivaled only by his love of sports, which each child and grandchild has inherited. Besides his longtime love for Western Michigan football and basketball and the Detroit Lions and Tigers, Dick also developed a passion for the Oklahoma Sooners. Dick wanted everyone in his life to celebrate EVERY MOMENT IN TIME so they could appreciate what God has given them. This celebration of life will be held at 3 pm Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes at 3926 South 9th Street, Oshtemo, Mich. The family will greet friends from 2-3pm, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Lacks Cancer Center at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids, where the doctors and staff were instrumental in giving Dick 20 precious months. Please visit www.langelands.com for Dick's online obituary, directions, registration book and condolences.