Richard Jones
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Richard Melvin Jones, a devoted follower of Christ, died Wednesday, March 9, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 95 years old. Richard was born on October 26, 1926 in Eldon, Missouri to Ruth Wilkinson and Arthur Kring Jones. He is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 41 years, Sylvia Adeline Jones (Richardson). They are now wonderfully reunited in the presence of their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Richard's life reflected his relationship with God, love and devotion to his family, service to his country, care for his community and loyalty to his ever-expanding friendships. He was beloved father to Kathy Wallace, Carol Moon Frazier (John), and Richard F Jones (Laura), and cherished grandfather to Jayson Wallace, Tressa Wallace, Austen Moon, Evan Moon (Taylor), Gray Jones (fianc? Sarah Minor), Catherine Jones, Rives Jones. He was a caring and giving brother to and preceded in death by two sisters and a brother. Richard served his country in the US Army. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1950 and continued to serve and assist his Alma Mater throughout his life. In addition, he attended Harvard Business Advanced Management Program to further his education and business efforts.
His career with Sears, Roebuck and Company began in 1950 as a management trainee in the paint department of the Kankakee, Illinois store. He retired from the company 38 years later as its President. At the time, Sears was one of the nation's largest conglomerates and was the largest public employer. Richard served on the boards of numerous public and private companies. He also served in various non-profit roles. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Field Museum, and Chairman of the Sears Roebuck Foundation. After his retirement from Sears, Richard went on to build what became one of the nation's largest Federal Savings Banks.
Visitation Thursday the 17th from 4-8pm, as well as Friday the 18th from 9-10:30am, Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL. Celebration of Life service will be held at the funeral home Friday the18th, 11:00am, with interment at Wheaton Cemetery. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016.