of Conway, AR
August 22, 1929 - June 16, 2015
Rev. Frank Jones, retired United Methodist minister, died at home in Conway, AR on Monday, surrounded by his family.
Frank was born in Ironton, Missouri on August 22, 1929, the son of Alfred and Mariette Jones. In 1956 he married Sue Osment of Jonesboro, and they shared 58 years together characterized by a deep commitment to each other, a shared love for the church, and close relationships with a number of life-long friends, many of whom dated to their days as students at Hendrix College. The parents of three children, their family includes Rock and Melissa Jones of Delaware, Ohio, with Alissan, Christopher and Anna; Brick and Dana Jones of Austin, Texas, with Sam and Johanna; and Pebble and David Sutherland of Conway, with Susanna, Clay and Reid. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mariette Booker of Oklahoma City, and Barbara Jones of Ironton, Missouri, and was preceded in death by his brother Russell Jones of Columbia, Missouri.
Frank graduated from Hendrix College and Perkins School of Theology, and was a Methodist minister for more than fifty years. In his churches he was known as a strong and couragous preacher, a warm caring pastor, and a minister involved in the community. Across almost twenty states he shared his gifts as a Bible teacher who explained the scriptures in simple language, applied them to everyday life, and related them to vital issues of our time. His trademarks were his sense of humor, his smile, and having everyone call him by his first name.
His early Arkansas Methodist pastorates were Eureka Springs and Van Buren St. John. He was a campus minister in Fayetteville, AR and Springfield, MO. His Missouri pastorates were Brookfield Trinity, Carthage, Springfield King's Way, and Blue Springs First.
Frank was a born storyteller and used that gift in his preaching and teaching as well as in conversation, where he enjoyed passing on the stories of his Ozark upbringing. In retirement he became a professional storyteller, appearing in schools, at the Ozark Folk Center and the Faulkner County Library, and in a variety of other settings, with stories of many kinds.
He lived 33 years as a survivor of bladder cancer, cheerfully accepting of its life-changing consequences, and he long ministered to others facing similar challenges.
His funeral will be Saturday, June 20 at 10:30am at First United Methodist Church in Conway. Memorial gifts may be made to the Frank Jones and Sue Osment Jones Scholarship at Hendrix College, or to First United Methodist Church, both of Conway, AR.
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17 Condolence(s)
John and Norma Farthing
Friday, June 19, 2015
One of our favorite people. What a blessing to know Frank and his family! Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate the life and home going of this dear friend.
Buzz Crouch
Friday, June 19, 2015
Sue, precious memories of a great couple. Haven't had contact, but remember you both well. We'll be remembering you in prayer.
P.S. Won't be able to attend service.
In His love,
Buzz Crouch
CECIL & LINDA POLK
Thursday, June 18, 2015
SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF BROTHER JONES WHOM WE GOT TO KNOW WHEN HIS SON ROCK, WAS OUR PASTOR.
FROM THE FIRST TIME WE HEARD HIM SPEAK WE NEVER FORGOT HIS SMILE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE, AND WHEN WE VISITED THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH IN CONWAY WE ATTENDED HIS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES SEVERAL TIMES.
HE ALWAYS MADE AN EFFORT TO COME UP AND SPEAK TO US WHEN WE WERE THERE.
HE WAS A TRULY GOOD CHRISTIAN MAN WITH A WONDERFUL CHRISTIAN FAMILY.
CECIL & LINDA POLK
Bill & Shirley Virdon
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sue and Family-----So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. We will always remember you and Frank with much fondness and thank you for your years of devotion to all of us at King's Way! Blessings to all.
Ken McGill
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sue, Rock, Brick, and Pebble. your Dad was a friend and mentor. I counted him as a friend. A great, great man. Cherish every memory
Greg and Kim Crow
Thursday, June 18, 2015
We have so enjoyed having Mr. and Mrs. Jones as our neighbor and will greatly miss him. Prayers are with your family.
Frank Leonard
Thursday, June 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bro. Jones. I attended several meetings in Conway where Bro. Jones would tell his humorous stories about Bible Characters. At that time I was a member of the Corning Methodist Church.
Bro. Jones always remembered me because my name was Frank.
Judy Brown
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sue, Rock, Brick & Pebble - My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Frank was a wonderful Minister and teacher. I attended a lot of his Bible classes and never failed to learn something new and he always made them so interesting. When we moved to Brookfield he came to our door and welcomed us to town & Trinity UMC, my church for the 27 years I lived there.
Mike Barbara morris
Thursday, June 18, 2015
So sorry for your loss he was a great man he married us 41 years ago in brookfield our prayers are with you and family
Clyde & Judy Paul
Thursday, June 18, 2015
We and our children remember and appreciate the great job Frank did here in Springfield. He was a true servant of his God.
rosemary allen-duncan
Thursday, June 18, 2015
prayers to the family, and sry for your loss.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Melinda Faulkner Burkholder
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sorry to hear of his passing. Fond memories of Rev. Jones from Brookfield Methodist during my childhood.
Jane Crawford
Thursday, June 18, 2015
carl and I have many fine memories of your time with us in Carthage. Your names are still mentioned from time to time in The Wesleyan Sunday School lass - always with respect and appreciation for all you shared with us. Take care of yourselves. Jane Crawford
John and Sherry Lowe
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Wish we could be there. Love, John and Sherry Lowe
Susan McSpaddem
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Pebble and Susanna, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather . I have heard so many wonderful things about him and can certainly appreciate the daughter and granddaughter he loved. The McSpadden's love you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Packer
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
My thoughts & prayers are with your family. My husband Dave & I attend Frank's church in Brookfield, MO, in the 1970s. We loved going to church and learning so much from Frank's wonderful stories.
Bridgette Gray
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Dear Jones family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that he must have been a fine man by the good family who surrounded him and he will be deeply missed. I will be praying for peace as you go through this difficult time. God bless you all, Bridgette Gray