Norman E. Jones

Norman E. Jones, 88, Bronaugh, Mo., passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at Freeman Health System West in Joplin, Mo., following a brief illness. He was born April 1, 1923, in Mindenmines, Mo., to Russell Eugene Jones and Bessie Mae Young Jones. He was married June 30, 1944, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Beth Carter and she survives of the home.

Mr. Jones grew up in Mindenmines and graduated from high school there in 1942. He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kan., for two years. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a B-17 pilot and flying instructor. He was a member of the Bronaugh Methodist Church, the Herman Masonic Lodge in Liberal, Mo., the MIRZA Shrine and Three Wheelers, in Pittsburg, Kan.

He was also a member of the Jayhawk Divers, in Pittsburg, and the Order of Eastern Star in Nevada, Mo.

Norman was past-mayor of Bronaugh, Mo., and past-president of the Bronaugh School Board. He owned and operated the Rock and Coal Mine in the Bronaugh area until his retirement.

In addition to his wife Beth, survivors include two daughters, Joyce Coonrod and her husband Bill, Bronaugh, Mo., and Jacque Carter, Springfield, Mo.; three grandsons, Mike Coonrod, and Michael Kabonic, both of Springfield, Mo., and Chris Kabonic, Washington, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Lynn Quist, and Ed Post officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kan.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. A Masonic service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m. with the family receiving friends between 7 and 8 p.m.

Contributions may be made to Vernon County People for Pets in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com