Lonell Jones Sr. was born in Kansas City Missouri, on October 9, 1933, the son of Pauline Richardson and Will Foster Jones. The brother of four siblings: Alline Jones, Benjamin Richardson, and survived by Delores Jones Holden and Maxine Dawson. He was the husband of Jerene Jones for 63 years. He fathered six children: Lonell Jones Jr., Donna (Ricky) Jackson, Yvette (George) West, Romell (Tiffany) Jones, Verrell Jones, and Terrell (Mastiee) Jones. He leaves a legacy of grandchildren: Leroy, Rachel, Kenya, Janelle, Rashele, Sterling, Portia, Ashley, Chelsea, Savanna, Sierra, Josiah, Jeremiah, Reginald, Sheena, Syneca, Tazia, Quintin, and Terrell Jr., aka" TJ". He leaves behind a legacy of seven great-grandchildren.

Little is known about the young life of Lonell; however, what is known is his love for his father. His father was a culinary chef who prepared meals on the railroad cars. Cooking must have been in the blood. Often, "Pops" would entertain family and friends with his self-proclaimed one-of-a-kind gumbo.

Meeting the love of his life was pre-destined for him. He recounted how "Tree", as he referred to his wife, lived on the second floor of an apartment complex. She would dangerously stand on the 2nd floor banister overhanging the concrete sidewalk looking down at her soon to be husband, as he nervously looked upon with fear and endearing admiration.

According to his sister, life wasn't the best of times growing up, yet he survived the 1930's, now with a wife and newborn. Although he aspired to become a merchant marine, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps, to better provide for a growing family.

Marine life in the '30s, during segregation and war was a double-edged sword. During a company formation, he remembered lining up with fellow Marines into two platoons. He recounted the sergeant looking at both platoons; then sending his platoon to the barracks, while the other platoon shipped out to join the Korean war. Often, he'd said, "momma was praying for me," however, all the while God knew the purpose for his life.

Life continued as a Marine. Moving his family to Camp Lejeune, California, where according to mom, they lived in Quonset. Later, he served a tour overseas in Okinawa Japan. Often, we asked, why did you leave the Marine Corps? He stated, that life without his family was unbearable. Being stationed away from family was no longer a career choice for him. After nine years of service to his country, Sergeant Lonell Jones Sr. received an honorable discharge.

He returned home to his family and friends. They had many friends, particularly the Browns family who together, became an inseparable family. The Browns was a growing clan of siblings alongside the Jones family. For them, it was an early life of music, dance and weekend bid whist, pronounced "bid wiz", a traditional card game. He touted how he and Jerene (mom) would grace the dance floor all night long. He had a passion for music. He purchased his first guitar; it only had four strings, instead of the six. Later in life, he found great joy playing his bongos and later conga drums next to his sons.

Frustrated with a lifestyle of depreciation, he knew a change was needed. As he described, it was one night after being frustrated with life's pitfalls that he went to church. In the church, he found a quiet place on the back row. In that quiet place, he was able to pour out to God. As he recalled, God began to speak to his heart. He described how he knew God had been with him all his life. He often preached on being dragged from the "muck and the mire."  However, like many, he didn't want to hear God calling him. He recounted a dangerous dark road experience when walking home from a night on the town.

"Suddenly, headlights appeared in front of me," illuminating the California desert. "A car stopped, and the driver asked if I needed a ride back to the military base. I said yes. As I turned around to get in the vehicle, I saw a pack of wolves slowly circling me. I knew God had spared my life."

After giving his life to Christ on that back row, life was never the same. He was ordained a minister. He was changed, stated his "baby sis" Delores. His change was infectious to all who came into contact. He exhibited strength and endurance for kingdom building. The Friday night parties turned into Saturday evangelism at the jail ministry followed up by Sunday morning worship; all day attested his children. A generational curse of alcohol and abuse turned into an agape love for God, family, and friends. He was a pillar among pillars amongst their crew. The Jones, Brown, Williams, and Shaw family legacies continue to live through a lineage of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and ALL those who dared to get close enough to hear God speak through him. For over 40 years as a minister and later, Pastor, he made it clear, "I want to preach the Gospel."

Even while awaiting his final call home, he laid listening to his favorite TV preachers or songs by Lee Williams. Once again in that quiet place, he could only hear Gods voice. While reading him his favorite scripture Psalms 27:4, he burst out with his preaching hoop. He even asked for a song selection; which we happily obliged with Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want.

His concerns were not earthly destiny, fame, or fortune. He was especially concerned about those of you reading this obituary. He wanted you to know the Christian race is about enduring until the end. He wanted his family and friends to know that tomorrow is not promised and that we must ALL come this way. He often stated, "Ain't nothing left out of ALL." He wants you to know that we've ALL come short, but today is a good day to get to know the LORD.   ~Semper Fidelis