Ronald R. Jones

Ronald “Ron” Jones

78, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, February 19, 2026.

Ron, who would later become known as quite the trickster, was fittingly born on Halloween, October 31, 1947 to the late Raymond C. and Evelyn L. Jones. He graduated from Eaton High School in 1965 and shortly after in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country until 1971. After returning home from military service, he met the love of his life, Donna. The two were married for 53 wonderful years.

He spent 50 years working in a variety of roles, including with Westvaco Corporation in Eaton, Ohio; Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Smurfit WestRock in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ron loved fishing, eating deliciously spicy food—the more kick, the better—working with stained glass, and later discovered a passion for hot air ballooning. He and Donna also enjoyed countless road trips, visiting friends and family along the way. He was an avid collector of memorabilia, enjoyed watching movies, and loved sharing jokes. If he could get a laugh out of someone, it made his day.

Although Ron and Donna had no children of their own, he was the devoted fun uncle (“funcle”) to many nieces and nephews, as well as countless “adopted kids” who came to know him as family. He especially cherished his time spent with family and had a special love for being around the kids in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; brothers Donald (Marian) of North Carolina, Keith (Chris) of Eaton, and Tim (Debbie) of Florida; and his sister Sharon Smith (Gregory) of Michigan. He is also survived by many friends and extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM at Eaton First Church of God, 601 E. Lexington Road, Eaton, 45320. The funeral service will begin at 1PM with military honors and a Masonic service, with Pastor Aaron Holman officiating.

Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to the church or to Gasper Township Fire and EMS, 4195 Paint Creek Rd, Eaton, OH 45320.

Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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