The Richmond News, April 24, 2026

Robert Jones

Robert “Bob” Clayton Jones passed away April 12, 2026, at age 78 after living with dementia for several years. Bob was born Dec. 18, 1947, in Richmond to Harry and Al‑ice Jones. From the start, he was the kind of boy who built rafts, floated rivers and turned every day into an adventure. Richmond always held a special place in his heart, and it was where he felt most at home and happiest. After the passing of his wife Sandy, Bob had the chance to return to Richmond for a few years. He lived next door to his beloved brother and sister‑in‑law, Ernie and Nancy Jones. The time they spent together was precious, and Bob soaked up every moment – the home‑cooked meals, trips to the Jones Store, countless games of Rummikub, and hours of laughter and desserts around the kitchen island.

Bob graduated from Baker University, where he met Sandy Ward in a golf class. Bob and Sandy were married on Aug. 17, 1968, in Kansas City and shared more than 50 years of life together. Together, they raised three brilliant, beautiful and hilarious children.

Throughout their years together, they celebrated innumerable joys – most notably, the birth of their six grandchildren. And they weathered the storms, from Sandy’s multiyear battle with breast cancer to the devastating loss of their oldest daughter, Erin, in 2016.

Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, stationed at NATO headquarters in Belgium. After his discharge, he built a lifelong career in commercial flooring sales, where his charm and genuine compassion for people led to enduring relationships.

Much like his mother, Bob never met a stranger, whether it was the person behind him in line at the store, behind the counter at his favorite convenience store or on the banks of Bennett Springs. His kindness and cheerfulness radiated outward, and his willingness to help others was his best‑known quality, even during his final days.

In his neighborhood, Bob was always just a phone call away and known as the “go‑to guy.” Each week, he pulled his neighbors’ trash cans from the curb. Often and without a second thought, he freely loaned out whatever someone needed – his money, tools, fishing gear and even his car – never worrying if anything would be returned.

At home, Bob was a coach to all three of his children and countless other kids. He was a builder and tinkerer, like his father before him. He was a constant, devoted pres‑ence at school and sporting events for his children and grandchildren.

Bob and Sandy’s six grandchildren were their greatest treasures. Bob always made time for them and was forever up for an adventure – trips to the park, fishing at a nearby pond or getting special help sorting the live worms for his yearly Canada fishing trips. Through it all, their grandpa Bob laughed, smiled and goofed alongside them.

Bob learned from the best, his family: Alice, Harry, Jane, Ernie, Luis, many cousins who felt more like siblings and countless extended relatives. He was raised in a home filled to the brim with joy, optimism, laughter and support. With Sandy, Bob built a home and a life rooted in love, generosity and his contagious laugh, complete with the well‑known Jones snort.

Outside of family, Bob considered his greatest asset to be his friends. He was incred‑ibly fortunate to share nearly his entire life with a close group of friends – Bill, CE, Phillip and John. Together, they experienced everything from childhood shenanigans to regular outings for a beer and game of pool.

A close second to friendships was fishing. From the ponds of Richmond to the lakes of Canada, Bob fished whenever he could. It was where he found peace, patience and joy. He also had a lifelong love of dogs, and the family home was rarely without one.

In addition to his wife Sandy and daughter, Erin Reed, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Harry Jones; and sister and brother‑in‑law, Jane and Joe Hell‑mann. What a sight it would have been to witness those reunions!

He is survived by his son and daughter‑in‑law, Christopher and Shelley Jones of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sara Bauman of Overland Park, Kan.; and son‑in‑law, Jason Reed of Overland Park. He also is survived by his six grandchildren, Katherine Sewell, Owen Jones, Sophie Reed, Jack Reed, Jones Bauman and Joe Bauman; and brother and sister‑in‑law, Ernie and Nancy Jones of Richmond.

Bob had a rare gift for making everyone feel at home. He will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 15, at Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main St., Richmond. Visitation will be at 1 p.m., with the service following at 2. All are welcome to join the family directly after the service at Hometown Pizza in down‑town Richmond, where we will raise a glass to celebrate Bob and share tales, tall and short.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s name to Bennett Spring State Park (website, https://donorbox.org/bennett-spring-state-park); or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (website, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-stjude.