Pastor Emeritus Cleaveland Richard Jones, 89, entered into eternal rest October 20, 2016, in his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 5, 1926, in Springfield, OH to the late Benjamin and Sallie Mae (Reynolds) Jones. He graduated from Springfield High in 1944 and was united in marriage on July 16, 1949, to the late Willie Louise White by the late Herbert Benton. From this union came six children. Pastor Jones served in the United States Army from December 22, 1945 until his honorable discharge on August 12, 1949. While in the service he spent most of his time boxing. He was employed by International Harvester where he retired in 1974. He loved umpiring softball for the International Harvester recreation teams. He also loved working on cars in his white coveralls. Most of all he Loved the Word of God! Pastor Jones was known for his stern deep voice and soft spoken words. He always reached out to children of all ages with some type of words of encouragement. Pastor Jones was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Springfield, OH where he served under his son, Pastor Bruce L. Jones. Pastor Emeritus was always ready to deliver the word. He was also a member of Hiram Lodge #7 of the Most Worshipful Eureka Grand Lodge F&AAYM Prince Hall Origin, National Compact of the State of Ohio, where he served as the Chaplain along with many other offices he held over the years. Pastor Jones accepted his calling into the ministry in October 1950, where he was a member, served on the Deacon Board and later preached his trial sermon at the Greater First Baptist Church. In January 1951, he received his license to preach the gospel under the leadership of the late Pastor Herbert Benton. Pastor Jones attended Wilberforce University where he graduated with a degree in Business. He also attended Cedarville University, Hammon Theological School of Divinity, Payne Seminary, Trinity Theological School, and Moody Bible College in Chicago, Illinois. He also graduated from Carver Bible College. Pastor Jones served as supply pastor at Greater First Baptist Church during the illness of Pastor Herbert Benton off and on for 5 years. Pastor Jones served as itinerant Minister for the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church for two years. After performing evangelistic ministry in various areas, he accepted the call to Pastor the First Zion Baptist Church in Jamestown, OH, where he served for 8 years. November 1977, he was called to Pastor Second Baptist Church in Delaware, OH, where he remained until his retirement on June 30, 2000. Pastor Jones leaves to cherish his memory six children, Richard (Bettie) Jones, Sr., Mobile, AL, Marsha Jones, Springfield, OH, Pastor Bruce (Karla) Jones, Englewood, OH, Larry (Brenda) Jones, Sr., Wm. Michael (Veronica) Jones, and L.E. Darlene Jones all of Springfield, OH; 13 grandchildren, Kirstine (Calvin) Danna, Katina Jones, Kim White, Richard Jones Jr., Emily Jones, LaShaunta' Jones, Candace Martin, LeJuan Jones, Jasmine Jones, Ebony Jones, Larry Jones Jr., Diamond Farley, and Veronique Jones; 11 great-grandchildren, Dante' Danna, Kevin & Aaron Danna, Anthony Davis, Zavon, Brandon, and BreAnna Jones, Amayah Lawrence, Marco (MJ) Jackson Jr., Jaylynn Scott and Jordan Conner; 1 great great granddaughter, Seosaph Nadina Mirari Danna; 2 brothers Robert (Bow) Jones and Carl (Late) Jones; 3 sisters, Margaret Pritchet, Delores (Dee) Jones, and Louetta Jones all of Springfield, OH; "Special" sons, Gary Griffin, Chicago, IL, Joseph (Marla) Smith and Michael Brown of Springfield, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends, Church families, Lodge Brothers and Sisters. Pastor Jones was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Willie Louise White, his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, 1 uncle and 1 nephew. "I have fought a good fight, I have stood the course, now I have gone on to be with the Lord!"

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