Obituary: Richard G. Jones

Richard Gerrald Jones (April 2, 1947 – September 24, 2022)

Richard Gerrald Jones, 75, of Manchester, Mich., formerly of Portland, Ore., passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022. Richie’s family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at a date to be announced for spring 2023.

Rich was born on April 2, 1947, in Omaha, Neb., to Gerrald and Doreen (Parks) Jones. He received his education from the University of Alaska and worked for the Department of Forestry for several years in Ketchikan, Alaska. Rich also had a long and successful career in sales in Portland. On November 15, 1969, he married Louise Haley. They raised three sons, Casey, George, and Dale. Later in life, he met Sharon Fearl to whom he was married for 30 years until his death. 

Rich had a passion for ham radio; his call number, KG7FS, is now silent. He was an avid angler and sailor (he even lived on a sailboat for six years with his wife Sharon before relocating to Manchester). He loved to bird watch and paint, and he combined many of his hobbies to create some wonderful art. His paintings of various animals were much admired by friends and family. He was also a music lover and learned to play the guitar. He was active in the community through the Masons, Manchester Lodge 148, the American Legion, and Manchester Men’s Club. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his kind and compassionate spirit … and his fantastic “fishing stories”!

Rich was preceded in death by his father, Gerrald, and his mother, Doreen. He is survived by his wife Sharon; sons Casey (Terri) Jones of Spokane, Wash., George (Michelle) Jones of Salem, Ore., and Dale Jones of Portland, Ore.; step-daughter Shannon (Mike) Brown of Manchester; sisters Karen Allenbrand and Sharon Elder; brother David; and several grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation (Lodge #148), 1200 Wright Ave, Alma, MI 48801 or in your own way. Please leave a message of comfort for Richie’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.