Edward Bernard Jones, 97, of McPherson passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Ed was born on March 31, 1927 in Cambridge, Nebraska, the son of Edward Lawrence and Augusta Theresa Jones. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1944 and attended the University of Denver for one year before enlisting in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he was a member of the SeaBees engineering corps. After his discharge, he began work with Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas Company where he was trained as a pipeline welder. He continued to work for the gas company for forty-two years where he gained a reputation as an expert welder and metal fabricator. He was united in marriage to Patsy Jean Underwood in Phillipsburg, Kansas and together they raised three children.
Ed was well known among his friends and family as an avid aviator, aviation mechanic and aircraft homebuilder. He used his many skills as a woodworker and metal fabricator to build his own projects as well as help others complete theirs. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Antique Aircraft Association, Communications Workers of America, American Legion and the VFW. He was a devoted Catholic and was an active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church of McPherson and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his wife, father, mother and four brothers Paul O’Brien, Charles Jones, Robert Jones and James Jones.
He is survived by three children, Frances Grant (Kevin) of Salina KS, Toni Bandy (Terry) of McPherson KS, Edward Jones (Carol) of Arlington TX, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Ed will be remembered as a kind and generous man who loved his family and friends and was always ready to share a story.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:00 pm at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in McPherson followed by Rosary at 7:15. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 19, also at Saint Joseph’s, followed by a burial at West Cedar Cemetery in Agra, KS at 3:30 pm.
Memorials can be made to Saint Joseph Catholic Church or to Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1344 Scholarship Fund in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.