Robert Jones

Robert Evan Jones "Bob", 81, of Orland Park, IL, passed away at home on October 20, 2016. Bob was born on August 8, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA to William Robert Jones and Elizabeth LeVan Jones, both of whom were school teachers. Bob graduated from Cheltenham High School '53 and from Lehigh University '57 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in civil engineering. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joanne Debrava Jones. They were wed at Ashbourne Presbyterian Church, Elkins Park, PA on December 19, 1959. Bob and Joanne had three children, David, Elizabeth, and Carolyn, who survive him in death, as did his six grandchildren. Bob was a devoted father and never missed a concert, athletic event, or activity of his children. Bob is also survived by his younger brother Richard (Dick) Ridley Jones, of Manchester, CN. Bob served as a Lieutenant in the Army Reserve and National Guard. After college Bob worked as an engineer with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). He later worked as a Human Resources Manager with 3M, Corn Products Corporation (CPC), HP Smith, James River Corporation and Commercial Forged Products. Bob believed it was important to give back to the community and to help others. He served as an elected member of the Orland Park Consolidated School District 135 Board of Education. He served as an Elder and Stephens Minister at the Palos Park Presbyterian Church and later was a member of Tinley Park Faith United Presbyterian Church. Bob volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and as a SCORE counselor helping small business owners. Bob also volunteered at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie where he could be found regularly helping to re-plant the prairie with native plant species. Bob learned his love of the outdoors at a young age as a Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout -- Scouting's highest rank -- and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. Bob took his family on camping trips across the country and instilled in his children his love of the outdoors, camping and hiking, and interest in history. Bob and Joanne continued to travel around the country after his retirement, visiting national parks and historic sites as well as relatives and friends. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Palos Park Presbyterian Church, 12312 S. 88th Avenue, Palos Park, IL at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rush University Medical Center for Parkinson's disease research, 1700 West Van Buren, Suite 250, Chicago, Illinois 60612. http://rush.convio.net/rjones Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com.