Kenneth Lee Jones, son of Walter Charles and Pearl Lena (O'Banion) Jones, was born at home on November 26, 1940 near Denver, Missouri. He passed away early Friday morning, October 4, 2013 at Red Oak, Iowa.
His early life was spent on the farm where he was known by his four sister and other family members as "Boots". He attended Miller Country School in Gentry County through 8th grade and then Albany High School where he graduated with the Class of 1958. After farming and working for a short time for F. C. Grace in Denver, he served for two years in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1965.
On June 25, 1967, Kenny was united in marriage to Chloe Ann Johnson of Villisca , Iowa. They made their home in Shenandoah, Iowa where he worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company for six years. He then joined Eaton Corporation until retiring.
After retirement, Kenny remained active. He enjoyed driving around in his pickup. Down to earth, he always greeted you with "What do ya know?" and took time to share a laugh or a story. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the Cemetery Board. He also built a reputation as a house painter, working in the surrounding area and as far away as Avoca, Nebraska. Always ready to pursue a new adventure, Kenny could be found wheeling around town on his Schwinn mountain bike and before that on his Kawasaki motorcycle. He even experienced the thrill of sky coasting and bungee jumping in the Ozarks. In the fall he enjoyed deer hunting with friends at his family farm. He also acquired his Ham Radio license and made many friends over the years. Kenny and Chloe participated in Civil War reenactment ceremonies, and he loved sharing his family history research.
Kenny was avid football fan. He cheered for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and for over 40 years he could often be found on the sidelines of a Friday night high school game. He had tremendous respect and admiration for the Harlan Cyclones and attended their games for the last several years.
Kenny accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Grand River. He was a member of the Denver Christian Church and a current member of the Nishna Valley Christian Church of Shenandoah where he drew strength from his faith. Preceding Kenny in death were his parents; two sisters, Bonnie Fletchall and Betty Edwards; three brothers-in-law, Alfred Fletchall, Chuck Edwards and Bob VanHoutan; mother and father-in-law, Ruby and Juno Johnson; and brother-in-law, Bill Johnson. Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Chloe of Shenandoah; two sisters, "Skip" Van Houtan of Shenandoah and "Pete" Iona White and husband Gary of Chillicothe, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.