Ernest Junior Jones

Ernest Junior Jones, 93, of Newton and currently residing in Marion, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at Winslow House Care Facility in Marion. Funeral and celebration of life services will be held at a later time.

Ernest, the son of Ernest Benjamin Jones and Gitalie (Larson) Jones, was born April 29, 1927, in Grinnell. He attended school in Grinnell and finished his high school diploma aboard the USS Pennsylvania during World War II. He was proud to be a Navy Veteran. Ernie managed Singer Sewing Center in Newton. After leaving Singer and some varied careers, he settled on carpet sales as his retirement career. In addition, Ernie had a small sewing machine repair business in his home until age 90.

You could find Ernie boating, fishing and camping when he had free time at Red Rock and Lake Rathbun, which he considered a second home for good times with family and friends. He was Commander of four platoons of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary first for Red Rock, then for Rathbun, many years. Ernie was also a ham radio operator, Handle # KPH3472, and served some years as president of the Newton Amateur Radio Association. For many years he and wife Edie traveled the U.S. on their Goldenwings with friends. He belonged to the American Legion and the Moose Lodge, where he and Edie enjoyed square dancing and doing a fancy two-step.

Ernie is survived by his seven children from his first marriage, Tallie Furrow, Diana (Tom) Zrudsky, Evelyn (Les) Beck, Larry Jones, Perry (Loretta) Jones, Cindy (Dennis) Bates and Deb (Tim) Pefferman; and step-daughter, Judy Robson-Schutty from his marriage to Edith (Robson) Jones. Ernie was blessed with 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edie; brothers, Alfred, Kenny and Max; his sister, Dorothy Mithelman; his parents; step-children, John Robson and Sharon Hildebrand; and grandchild, Michele Robson.