Russell G Jones

Colonel (ret) Russell G. Jones, 92, of Frankfort, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.  

He was born July 11, 1921, in Bristow, Iowa, to Paul and Nettie Truax Jones.  On April 17, 1943, he married Ruth Jacobs in Marengo, Iowa; she survives.

Russell graduated Rockwell City (Iowa) High School and later graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Business Administration.  As a veteran of World War II, Russell fought in Europe with the 102nd Infantry Division.  He was also a veteran of both the Korean War and Vietnam War where he served five tours.  Russell attended the Infantry School of Ft. Benning, GA and was inducted into the Infantry Hall of Fame.  At Ft. Leavenworth, KS, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College.  During his 30 year Army career, he served in the Infantry with the 84th and 102nd Divisions, Intelligence, ROTC at Georgia Tech, Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and Inspector General, 1st Army.  Russell’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V and Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe-African Medal, Expert Rifle, Carbine and Pistol Badges, and China and Vietnam Medals.  After retirement from Active Duty, he taught JROTC at Frankfort High School for 15 years.  His students won two National Championships.

Russell was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church where he served on the ushering team and on various other church committees.  He was a member and past president of the Frankfort Lions Club where he was liaison for the Frankfort Lions Eyeglass Project and drove the Lions Club float in the Frankfort Christmas Parade for a number of years.  He was past District Governor of District 25-C of the Indiana Lions.  He was awarded the Melvin Jones and W.P. Woods Awards by Lions International.  Russell was named a Clinton County Gem.  He drove for the American Red Cross.  His memberships include the N.R.A., American Legion (life member), Military Order World Wars, University of Iowa Alumni Association, 88th Div. Association, Military Order Association of U.S. Army, and 102nd Div. Association.

In addition to his wife, Russell is survived by his daughter, Sara (Cecil) Taylor of Plano, TX; and three grandchildren, Anthony Taylor, Austin Taylor, and Rebecca Taylor.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ward Jones.

Visitation for Russell will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Lawson officiating.  Burial will be held at Marengo Cemetery on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in Marengo, Iowa.  Memorials in Russell’s name may be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society, or Lions Club Eye Bank.   Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.