Lawrence M. Larry Jones
September 29, 1931 ~ November 7, 2007
Jones, Lawrence M. “Larry” died on November 7, at age 76. He was born to Clarence and Ona Mae Jones in Southard, Oklahoma, September 29, 1931. Larry graduated from Wichita University in 1953, married Anita Dinsmore, and left for Boston where he completed his MBA DBA at Harvard Business School. His remarkable career included seven years in various roles as teacher and treasurer at Wichita State University and 28 years at the Coleman Company in an executive path that included treasurer, Vice President, President and CEO. He was a leader in many community organizations and served as Director for several corporations including Airxcel, Cessna, Bank IV, Union Pacific, Anadarko Oil, Fleming Companies and Fundamental Learning Center. In addition, he was retained as a consultant to Rollerblade. He served on the Kansas Board of Regents and had served on the investment committee of the WSU Endowment Association and Board of Directors in recent years. Larry loved family, people, dancing, travel, playing tennis, and enjoyed camping or spending time outdoors. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy, and two granddaughters, Katherine and Sarah Jones. He is survived by his wife, Anita; daughter, Jeanine (Bill) Phillips; sons, Gary (Elizabeth), and Drew (Shonna) Jones. He was dearly loved by his grandchildren, Beau and Cooper Phillips; Lauren and Walker Jones; and Mackenzie and Conner Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established with Positive Directions - 154 North Emporia, Wichita, Kansas, 67202, and Fundamental Learning Center - 917 S. Glendale St., Wichita, Kansas, 67218. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2pm Monday, November 12th at Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th N., Wichita, Kansas, with a reception following at University Congregational Church. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Anita and all the wonderful Joneses … I’ll remember Larry fondly for his strength, character and generosity of spirit. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Anita and Jones Family Larry was a wonderful person and a great friend. He will be missed by the entire community. The service today was a tribute and a celebration of his life Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. JD and Susan Swanson
Larry Jones excelled in the classroom, the boardroom and in the civic arena. The business school at Wichita State lost a long-time colleague and friend. Our condolences to Anita and his entire family.
Over the course of many years in the practice of law, I have had the privilege of working with and for many people of great prominence and intellect. Larry was one of those and I regard him as being one of the most intelligent, honest and clever people I have ever met. The only consolation of losing him is that the standards he set lives on through those he has inspired.
Anita, Jeanine, Gary, and Drew Sorry to hear of your loss. I will not be able to attend the services Monday since I am out of town, but I wanted you to know my thoughts are with each of you. My wife is bringing mom(Hazel) to the services.
Dear Anita: Pam and I were so sorry to learn about the death of Larry. We had no idea he had been in poor health and news of his passing came as a shock. We have thought about the two of you many times in recent months and years. Every time we visit Steamboat Springs, the Two Rivers Gallery, the big hot air balloons, or think about real estate and pretty homes…we think of you and Larry. Larry was a unique and special individual who added so much to the betterment and vision of Wichita as well as for many other programs and companies. He was a ‘leader’ in every respect when too many individuals who could be leaders choose to be ‘followers’. Again, we are terribly sorry about your loss and Pam and I extend our deep sympathy. Sincerely, Dolph C. Simons, Jr.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Anita and family. Not only a personal loss but a terrible loss to our community.
Blessings to Anita and the rest of the Jones family in this difficult time. I knew Larry and Anita as members of University Congregational Church during the tenure of my late husband, the Rev. Dr. Gary Cox. Larry and Anita are wonderful people, and my husband and I loved and admired them very much. Larry will be greatly missed. I wish peace and healing for Anita in the difficult days ahead.
Dear Jones Family: I was very sorry to hear from my folks about your loss. I have very fond memories of Larry (Mr. Jones to me). He, and you Anita, were always very kind and patient with those of us who were lucky enough to enjoy your hospitality during our high school years with Gary. Gary, I knew by the way you always spoke of your father that there was lots of mutual love and respect. I remember him as a kind, generous man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a remarkable man who has led a remarkable life. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May God’s blessings and comfort be with you all. Sincerely, Brady Compton
Larry Jones was part of the heart and soul of The Coleman Company, Inc. for many, many years. He was Sheldon Seniors right-hand man and president for 14 years during some of the most important growth years of the company. When Larry was selected to run Coleman after the acquisition by MacAndrews and Forbes Holdings, Inc. in 1989, he provided not only outstanding leadership to the Company, he had a great calming effect on employees, customers and the community of Wichita. He instilled confidence that Coleman was in good hands in everyone he encountered. Beyond his wisdom and business acumen, Larry did everything with style, grace and class. He put associates at ease with his friendly manner, and they raised their game to perform on par with his high standards. He was a remarkable man, a leader and a friend, and The Coleman Company owes him much. Mr. Jones had the distinction of leading Coleman twice and working with three generations of Coleman leadership – W.C., Sheldon Sr. and Sheldon C. Coleman Jr. Jones retired as CEO of Coleman in 1994. He had 33 years service, including as Invoice Audit Clerk, Assistant Buyer, Assistant to the President, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Outing Products, President and also as CEO. – Employees of The Coleman Company, Inc.
Anita, Jeanine, Gary, Drew and family, Larry was a dynamic man blessed with many achievements but whose family was by far his greatest success. Your dad was always a champion to each of his sons, daughter and grandchildren ever ready to encourage, care, or assist in their endeavors. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and will uphold you in prayer. Brad and Lisa Bowman Melbourne, Australia
I have been blessed to have known Larry Jones. He was a great person who took me into his house while I was growing up and treated me as one of his own. I cannot find the words to express what having Larry as a part of my life has meant to me. My thoughts are with Drew, Gary, Jeanine, and Anita at this time. Thanks to all of you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I will miss Larry very much.
Dear Anita, Gary, Drew and Family, So sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. He cast a long shadow and had a profound influence on many lives. Growing up in the Coleman Company (Camping Trailers) he was an admired role model for me and many others. Try as hard as I might, I never could beat him at tennis. You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
Anita and family: I was so saddened to learn of Larry’s death. He was someone I greatly admired and always enjoyed seeing and talking to. Personally, I am also very grateful for his support of, and many contributions to, Wichita State University. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Anita, Gary, Liz, Jeanine, Bill, Drew and Shonna, We are so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and oviously loved by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Anita, I was so sorry to learn about the loss of your dear husband. I only got to meet him briefly this past year and was so impressed with his kindness and warmth. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Marsee Bates
Anita, our whole family sends its condolences to you and your family. Larry was always so kind and helpful to me during my years of public service in Kansas, and was a terrific and responsible role model for all of us who were inspired to enter public service. He was always a great friend to my parents Milton and Gladys Glickman as well. My dad especially liked that Larry laughed at his jokes. Rhoda and I wish you and your family our best at this difficult time.
Jeanine & Family, We were so sad to hear of your father’s passing. You were blessed to have had such a wonderful father!! Cherish all the wonderful years and memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The McNeely Family Wichita, Ks.
I was not a very good student, and lacked commitment to education when I enrolled in Dr. Jones’ Administration class at WSU. He inspired me to accomplish more with my life and became more than my professor, but my mentor as well. I truly believe I would not have gone to law school and become a District Judge were it not for Dr. Jones. He has always had a special place in my heart and I am sorry he is no longer with us and I am certain he will be missed by his family and friends.
To Anita and family, We want to express our sympathy. Larry was a good man, kind and friendly. It was our privilege to know him.