Richard Milton Jones, 92, died March 26, 2011.
He was born on March 8, 1919, and resided all of his life at the family pioneer homestead, except during his years of service, on Historic Jungle Trail on Orchid Island.
Jones was preceded in death by his father Timothy Milton; mother, Hoyetta Mae; sisters, Marie Jewel and Wynona Mae; and his wife of over 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Jones.
Survivors include his nieces, Tina Diane Bickart and Dr. Suzanne Queen Hoffman; and nephew, John Robert “Bobby” Newberry, Jr.
As a young man, Jones served in the United States Army in World War II and received the Good Conduct Medal, European/Mediterranean Theatre Ribbon and Two Bronze Stars.
He served in the campaigns of North Africa, Sicily and Italy.
Upon his return home, Richard and Mary were married.
They worked side by side in their citrus grove, fruit stand, and dock as well as their commercial fishing venture and his fishing guide service.
Richard and Mary were both active members of the First Baptist Church of Wabasso, for over 34 years.
Visitation services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Wabasso, 4720 86th Street, Wabasso, at 10 a.m., followed by an on-site burial service with full military honors at Winter Beach Cemetery and closed with a remembrance and celebration of life reception in the Dubose Hall, which is located at the First Baptist Church in Wabasso.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Richard’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Wabasso, 4720 86th Street, Wabasso, Florida 32958.
