John Lewis Jones, decorated veteran
Mr. John Lewis Jones, 73, of Millsboro, passed away Monday, Feb. 15, 2016.
Mr. Jones was born in Dover to the late Brady Jones and Helen Parker Jones Short. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Jones; a sister, Ruth Ann Guylas; stepfather, Charles Short Sr.; and stepbrother, Charles Short Jr.
John retired from Conrail where he worked as a conductor for approximately 22 years. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, active in the Military Order of Purple Heart as a service officer. He served in the U.S. Army Battery D 2nd Battalion 10th Artillery 197th Infantry Brigade 3d USA as a field artillery section chief with the rank E6. During his service he earned the National Defense Medal, Expert (Rifle M-14 & M-16), Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device 1960, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, two Purple Hearts, Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, CIB, United Nations Service Medal, Korea Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, 4 O/S Bars, Good Conduct Medal (1st Award) and Mechanic Badge. John also belonged to the VFW, AM VETS, American Legion and the Leipsic Fire Company. He was an avid fisherman, family man, a decorated soldier with a kind heart for helping others.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Jones of Millsboro; three children, Daniel Jones of Laurel; David Jones and his wife Christine of Lewes, and Laurie Tartt and her husband Daniel of Harrington; a brother, Wayne Short and his wife Linda of Milford; along with nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call two hours prior. Interment with military honors will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 22, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Purple Heart Chapter 1787, C/O Gary Morris, 16989 Staytonville Road, Lincoln, DE 19960.
Letters of condolence may be emailed via www.watsonfh.com
