Carl L. Jones

Carl L. “Late” Jones, 85, was born Friday, January 3, 1936 in Springfield, Ohio the son of Benjamin and Sallie (Reynolds) Jones.  “Late”, as he was affectionately known by friends and family, graduated from Springfield High School in 1954.

He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved football, basketball, baseball and track and field.  He ran track for Springfield High School and desired to run track at The Ohio State University.  His disappointment at not being selected to attend The Ohio State University led him to become a lifelong Michigan fan.

Upon graduation from high school, he was immediately drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Korean Conflict.  During the next 4 years he spent time in London, England, South Korea, Paris, France and Germany.  He was a Private 1st Class, a paratrooper, an infantryman and a guard.  His highest rank was sergeant.

After serving his country from 1955-1958, he returned home to Springfield, Ohio where he met his first love, Jean McKenney.  They gave life to three beautiful daughters.  He loved and accepted her three children from a previous marriage and fathered them as well as the three biological children.  Later in life he met his second love, Maxine Jones and spent the next 40 years being a father and grandfather to her daughter and grandson.

Carl worked 35 years for the City of Springfield as part of the street maintenance crew.  He kept the streets smooth and free of potholes.

In 1992, he received an award from the City of Springfield for perfect attendance.  He retired in 1995 after receiving an “Employee of the Year” award.

He was a faithful soldier in the Army of the Lord at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he was chairman of the trustee ministry.

He leaves to treasure his memory his longtime companion, Maxine Jones; daughters, Carla (Lawrence) Hill, Regina McKenney, Kimberly McKenney, Cynthia Taylor and Henrietta Jones; son, Virgil McKenney, 8 grandchildren and 9 grandchildren; sisters, Marie Pritchet and Dee Jones and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Pastor Emeritus, Cleaveland R. Jones; Robert “Bow” Jones and Rubin “Boom”; sisters, Verla Jones and Elenore Jones; sister-in-law, Louise Jones and grandson, John Fox Jr.

Visitation is Monday, August 30, 2021 from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. in the Robert C. Henry Funeral Home.  Burial will be Tuesday, August 31, 2021 in Ferncliff Cemetery, Soldiers Mound, with military honors.

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