John Wilford "Red" Jones, 68, Adrian, MO, went to take his walk with the Lord on November 8, 2008. After his short battle with cancer, he passed at the young age of 68, at his home, surrounded by his family. Funeral services 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Monday, November 10 at the chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 4 West Ohio Street, Suite 2-B, Butler, MO 64730.

J. W. "Red" Jones was born to Clyde Ludley and Bertie Elizabeth (Morrow) Jones on May 18, 1940 in rural Bates County, MO. After attending school at Passaic Elementary and Adrian High School, Red began to work on tractors at the age of 18 and this became his life-long career. Through his journey, he grew to know many people with whom he made many friends. In 1963, Red began his short career in the U. S. Army, driving a wrecker, in the first missile unit to go to Europe until 1965. After returning home from Germany, he continued his work in the farm implement industry.

On April 1, 1960, Red was united in marriage to Donna Maxine Cain. From this union, two daughters were born, Delia Katherine and Erin Leigh. After his children were born, the family moved to Adrian where this became their home. Becoming self employed, he was able to spend more time with his daughters, teaching them the qualities of life and family virtues.

In 1979 Red began working on green tractors, instead of red, at Deems Farm Equipment in Butler. In his 25 years at Deems', he not only repaired equipment, but he was always willing to teach someone who was eager to learn. Upon his retirement, Red still gave advice to his friends and co-workers. He may have appeared to others as "grumpy", but he treasured all those that he knew and was appreciative of their friendships. Red enjoyed his retirement, not traveling much, just traveling around town on his scooter. He spent time with his grandchildren and was always teaching them the little important things that others may have seen as trivial.

Red was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Betty Jane Jones Martino. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna, of Adrian, MO; his two daughters, Dee Dee Yates and her husband, Randy, Adrian, MO and Erin Tharp and her husband, Jeff, Harrisonville, MO; four grandchildren, Josh Yates and Chelsey Yates, Adrian, MO and Jonathan Tharp and Jason Tharp, Harrisonville, MO; one aunt, VonEtta Westmoreland, Butler, MO; two nieces and many cousins.