Jerald R. Sr. Jones

Jones, Jerald R. Sr., retired custom home builder and developer, died August 9, 2005. He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Iris M. Jones, and parents, Buell V. and Daisy Jones. Born February 7, 1918, in Hale, MO, Mr. Jones moved with his family to Chicago, then later to Wichita in 1927. He attended North High School and East High School, where he met Iris Wilson whom he married on May 28, 1942. He also attended Wichita Business College. A captain in the Army, Mr. Jones served during WW II at Fort McClellan in Anniston, AL, where he suffered a debilitating knee injury in an accident and was later discharged. In 1954, Mr. Jones began building custom homes in east Wichita, notably, Brookhaven Estates, English Village and Woodlawn Village, and he soon became known as a leading builder in the area. He built the first garden apartments in Wichita, now known as Twin Lakes Apartments, with the Ritchie brothers. During the late 1960s, Mr. Jones began planning and developing the residential area of Crestview Country Club and later built the Villas at Crestview. In the late 1970s, Mr. Jones retired from the building business and in the 1980s, started Physio Tronics, a medical electronics company. His wife, Iris, died January 1, 1990. In December, 1991, Mr. Jones married Joann Williams, who survives him. Mr. Jones served two terms as president of the Wichita Homebuilders Association and was also a member of Rotary and a charter member of East Heights Methodist Church. He was an avid gardener, cook, hunter and also enjoyed riding and showing horses, particularly, Missouri Fox Trotters. In addition to his wife, Joann, Mr. Jones is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janeille and Charles Litton of Nevada City, CA, son and daughter-in-law, J.R. and Gretchen Jones of Wichita, granddaughter and husband, Jennifer and Cristian Singer of Grass Valley, CA, granddaughter Michelle Litton of Nevada City, CA, grandchildren Justin and Jillian Jones, Wichita, sister, Shirley Chambers, Wichita, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. A memorial service will be held 1:00 Friday, August 12, at Downing and Lahey East with a visitation Thursday, August 11, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th, will take place immediately following funeral services. A memorial has been established with Harry Hines Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, 67202. Visitation 6:30 to 8:00 pm Thursday at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary