Melvin R. Jones, Jr.

Melvin Ray Jones, Jr. transitioned to his eternal home on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 9:20 pm. at Lima Memorial Hospital.

Melvin was born on February 9, 1924 in Lima, Ohio to the late Melvin Ray Jones, Sr. and Florence Thelma (Crocket).  

He was joined in marriage to Mary L. Beverly on May 19, 1958 and they enjoyed 36 years together until her death in 1995.  Mel and Mary shared their life at 402 E. Sycamore Street in Van Wert, Ohio.  He was a devoted husband and father to their four children.

Melvin Jones was drafted into the army and served in World War II.  He worked at or operated  several businesses including a garage, poultry house, fur trade, insurance, trucking, and garbage collection.  He co-owned a property renovation company and a lawn care service.  He broke down racial barriers as the first African-American to work in a factory in Van Wert, Ohio.  He retired from Kennedy Manufacturing as a supervisor after 27 years of service.

He attended Trinity Friends Church for many years and most recently worshiped at New Horizons Community Church.   He used his many talents such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and cooking to serve his family and community.  Melvin was easygoing, kind, fun and warm.  He was a person that everyone enjoyed talking to and laughing with.  He enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren and supported their activities and achievements. Courageous and calm, Melvin Jones was a man of quiet strength.

Melvin is preceded in death by his two sisters Della Mae Evans and Dolores Ann Towsey.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory:  his four children, Brenda Johnson (David) of Franklin, TN, Michael Jones (Wendy) of Franklin, TN, Gary Jones (Kelly) of Van Wert, OH and Beverly Williams (Carlis) of Raleigh, NC; seven grandchildren, Jazzmin Johnson, Nicole Williams, Avery Jones, Tevin Williams, Elijah Jones, Trevor Jones and Myka Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Service will be held at 2:30 pm, Thursday, November 19 at New Horizons Community Church, 833 South Main Street, Rockford, Ohio with Pastor Ken Meyer officiating.  Interment will follow at Greenbrier Cemetery.  The service will be live streamed at nhcrockford.online.church.  Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until the service at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin R. Jones, Jr., please visit our floral store.