Ronald Dean Jones

Ronald Dean Jones, known affectionately as "Poppy" to his immediate family, "Dean" to his extended family, and "Ron" to his business associates and friends, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 92. Born on June 15, 1932, in Topeka, Kansas, Ron lived a life marked by dedication, love, and impactful contributions.

Ron’s professional career spanned over 51 years, characterized by his expertise in research, project feasibility analysis, and site planning across multiple sectors, including shopping centers, industrial developments, recreational facilities, and transportation projects. His work was instrumental in the adoption of over 45 zoning and development codes throughout the Midwest. Since 1995, Ron focused on wireless telecommunications site acquisition and development for major companies such as American Cablevision, Southwestern Bell Telephone, Sprint, and Verizon.

An alumnus of Highland Park Rural High School, class of 1950, Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, spending 18 months in Germany as Chief of Survey. He proudly declined a West Point appointment, choosing instead to pursue higher education and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Administration from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. He furthered his education with a Master's in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, and attended Planning Seminars at the Graduate School of the University of Tennessee. Ron also achieved E.P.A. Lead Testing Certification from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

A member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and the American Planning Association, Ron was also actively involved with the Unity Church of Overland Park, Kansas, where he served as a board member.

Ron shared a lifelong love story with his beloved wife, Joyce D. (Laughlin) Jones, whom he met in 1955. They were married on January 28,1959, and their union brought great meaning to his life. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including daughter Kelly (Jones) Green and her husband Gregory Green, and son Kristopher Jones and his partner Charlotte German. Ron was a devoted grandfather to Jennifer Jones, Kelsey (Green) Tittle and her husband Jeremy Tittle, Kayla Green, and a loving great-grandfather to Kane Arehart, Kai Tittle, and Grayson Tittle.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Clifford Jones, mother Ruth Vinita (Johnson) Jones, sister Patricia Ann (Jones) Hothan, brother Robert Lee Jones, brother-in-law Ted Jones, sister-in-law Norma (Matoush) Jones, brother-in-law Dwight Laughlin, and Shaun Arehart father to great-grandson Kane.

He is survived by his cherished wife Joyce, daughter Kelly, son Kristopher, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the mother and sister of Jennifer Jones, Lori Bell and Nichole Price, sisters-in-law Susie (Laughlin) Young, Cherry (Jernigan) Laughlin, brother-in-law Austin Young, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ron had a passion for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, and KU Basketball. His talents extended to singing and theater, having participated in high school and college plays. He also enjoyed high school sports, carrying his love for athletics throughout his life.Ron lived by the principle taught by his father: "He always left more than he took." This philosophy was evident in every endeavor he pursued and every relationship he built.

Ron will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of integrity, love, and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Services to honor Ron's life will be held on Monday, June 2nd with a visitation from 11am-noon at the Amos Family Funeral Home, and a memorial service to immediately follow. Burial will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 2:30pm on Monday.