Deceased October 17, 2011
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In Memory
My father, Ray Carlton Jones ’41, passed away Oct. 17, 2011, in Sioux Falls, S.D. He spent his life as a minister, steadfast in his loving dedication to his family, his faith and the congregations he served for over 40 years. Dad was born in 1920 and raised in Holyoke, Mass. He continued his education after Amherst at Union Theological Seminary, graduating in 1944. At Union, Dad met my mother, Josephine Wetteland, who was studying sacred music; they were married in 1943. My father’s life and ministry were blessed and enriched by my mother, a gifted musician who naturally connected with members of the congregation and the community. Dad’s unstinting devotion to Mom continued through her final illness.
Dad served as minister of the Oakton United Church in Evanston, Ill.; as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy during World War II; and as assistant minister at Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., for three years. My father also had extended ministries in Topeka, Kan., and Chicago. My parents moved in 1970 to South Dakota, where Dad was minister of the First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls until his retirement in 1984. Dad continued as minister emeritus until his death. He was a trustee of Illinois College for 24 years; he served for 33 years on the board of Dow Rummel Village, the retirement community where my parents lived after 1995. Dad always enjoyed returning to Amherst. We walked through the campus a few years ago, sharing the splendid view and many memories as we stood at the top of Memorial Hill.
Dad is survived by three children: my brother, Ray Carlton Jones ’67, of Randers, Denmark; and my sister, Ann Campbell Jones, of Concord, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Dad will be deeply missed by family, friends, his church and his community.
—Thomas W. Jones ’69