Pastor Robert Henry Jones, Jr., 68, Marion, received his eternal reward at 12:52 a.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Marion and was born on June 5, 1949, to the late Robert Henry and Ethel Mae (Folden) Jones, Sr.. On June 4, 2011, he married Shelly M. Miller, and she survives.
After graduating from Marion High School in 1968, Robert served in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he continued his post-secondary education and graduated from Simmons Bible College in 1994. He became owner/operator of his own construction company, R.J. Constructions, in Marion. Robert was also a wonderful chef and became one of the first black chefs of Marion, at Holiday Inn. He previously worked at Colonial Oaks, Rolling Meadows, and retired from Cambridge Square. In July of 2017, he became the senior pastor at Greater Second Baptist Church, where he was also an elder for over 20 years.
Some of his hobbies included playing basketball and chess, and he was also a skilled woodcarver. Robert had a passion for the Lord and loved to teach Bible study. He was a humble, kind, wise, and generous man who served his community, friends, and family to the fullest.
He is survived by his children, Darrick (Brooke) Jones, Marion, Heather (Ollie) Jones, Marion, Damian Jones, Marion, Lindsay (Chris) Curless, Indianapolis, Tiffany Lassiter, Marion, and Michael (Carry) Sheward, Arizona; grandchildren, Kaelin Taylor, Tyrianne Jones, Darrick Jones Jr., Deasia Jones, Nautica Shoemaker, Dakarrah Jones, Theresa Shoemaker, Darrynce Jones, T’Kaia Jones, Ollieah Jones, Jayce Massie, Music Crumpacker, and Eloise Curless; great-granddaughter, Mariah Jones; siblings, Deloris Hutchinson, Janice (Lloyd) Majors, Patricia Edwards, Paul Jones, David Jones, Elaine (Lee) Jones, Deborah (Cubie) Jones, Jeffry (Rena) Jones, Cindy (Dan) Lavengood, and Jeff Miller; honorary mother, Charlie Lee Townsend; his Weatherly family; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Greater Second Baptist Church, 705 W. 26th St., Marion.
Services to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018, at the church with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.