thedrifter
12-25-08, 06:09 AM
Man who served in four branches of military dies
By Anthony Gottschlich
Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
DAYTON — Edward R. Jones gave his life to the United States military, or at least a big chunk of it.
The 73-year-old longtime Dayton resident, who died Tuesday, Dec. 23, in a Vandalia nursing home, served in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force before he retired as a master sergeant in 1991, his family said.
"He served his country well and he was proud of that, and we're proud of him," said Jones' brother, Elwood "Bob" Jones, 71.
It's not clear how many Americans in recent history have served in all major branches of the U.S. military — "Good luck on that one," a defense department spokesman said. But for Jones, the military was a way of life, a sanctuary from a hard childhood spent partially with his six brothers and sisters in the former Shawen Acres orphanage.
"He loved it," Jones' daughter, Tonya Epps of Huber Heights, said. "He was in the military for his country. He was just that way, very patriotic."
Jones suffered from Alzheimer's in recent years, and he died broke, leaving his family to worry about a proper burial and the military funeral he always longed for, Epps said.
The family didn't worry long, though. Because Jones was a veteran, he's entitled to a free plot and marker at the Dayton National Cemetery. The family also might qualify for help from the Montgomery County Veterans Services Commission, which provides up to $1,000 in burial assistance for indigent veterans.
That won't pay for an elaborate funeral, but that's not what Jones would have wanted, Epps said. It will be a simple service, perhaps graveside only, for a shy, unassuming man who started life with nothing, served the country he loved and provided for the two children he adored.
"Me and my brother never wanted for nothing," Epps said.
Jones is survived by Epps and a son, Harold Jones of Germany; ex-wife Judy Jones, seven grandchildren and a man who was like a son to him, Terry Isaac of Atlanta.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Ellie
By Anthony Gottschlich
Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
DAYTON — Edward R. Jones gave his life to the United States military, or at least a big chunk of it.
The 73-year-old longtime Dayton resident, who died Tuesday, Dec. 23, in a Vandalia nursing home, served in the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force before he retired as a master sergeant in 1991, his family said.
"He served his country well and he was proud of that, and we're proud of him," said Jones' brother, Elwood "Bob" Jones, 71.
It's not clear how many Americans in recent history have served in all major branches of the U.S. military — "Good luck on that one," a defense department spokesman said. But for Jones, the military was a way of life, a sanctuary from a hard childhood spent partially with his six brothers and sisters in the former Shawen Acres orphanage.
"He loved it," Jones' daughter, Tonya Epps of Huber Heights, said. "He was in the military for his country. He was just that way, very patriotic."
Jones suffered from Alzheimer's in recent years, and he died broke, leaving his family to worry about a proper burial and the military funeral he always longed for, Epps said.
The family didn't worry long, though. Because Jones was a veteran, he's entitled to a free plot and marker at the Dayton National Cemetery. The family also might qualify for help from the Montgomery County Veterans Services Commission, which provides up to $1,000 in burial assistance for indigent veterans.
That won't pay for an elaborate funeral, but that's not what Jones would have wanted, Epps said. It will be a simple service, perhaps graveside only, for a shy, unassuming man who started life with nothing, served the country he loved and provided for the two children he adored.
"Me and my brother never wanted for nothing," Epps said.
Jones is survived by Epps and a son, Harold Jones of Germany; ex-wife Judy Jones, seven grandchildren and a man who was like a son to him, Terry Isaac of Atlanta.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Ellie