Lloyd Dwight Jones

Lloyd D. Jones, 85, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, April 15, 2011, at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. He was born February 24, 1926, at Lexington, Nebraska to Walter Clyde and Anna Vivette (Nelson) Jones. Lloyd grew up in Lexington where he attended school and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1944. He was active in sports in high school and earned the honor of All-State Basketball player. Following high school, Lloyd was inducted into the United States Navy. He served his country proudly from May 24, 1944, until being honorably discharged on May 7, 1946. He then furthered his education at the University of Nebraska where he graduated with a business degree. While in college he met the love of his life, Leona Joan Sorensen and was married June 5, 1949, at Blair, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Mark, Scott and Sheila. Lloyd and Leona made their home in Lexington where Lloyd took over Jones Plumbing from his father. He so enjoyed his customers and many became lifelong friends. The couple loved to travel extensively. They wintered in Texas for years and it was with their help that the H.O.S.T. Mentoring Program was brought to Lexington. An avid sports fan, Lloyd was always active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, cheering them on in all of their endeavors. He coached little league baseball, played city baseball himself as a young man and never missed a St. Louis Cardinal baseball game if he could help it. Lloyd loved the Nebraska Cornhuskers and he and Leona were fortunate enough to be able to follow them to many bowl games throughout the years. He enjoyed playing golf, bridge, going dancing and playing tennis. He was also active in his community and was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge, the VFW, American Legion, Eastern Star and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his contributions to the Rotary Club. Lloyd is survived by his wife of 62 years: Leona Jones of Lexington, Nebraska Two sons: Dr. Mark (Patty) Jones of Lexington, Nebraska Scott (Starla) Jones of Hobbs, New Mexico One daughter: Sheila (Kent) Bader of Richland, Washington Eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Nelson Keith. The family has honored Lloyd’s wishes that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverends Tess Hufford and John Craig officiating. Inurnment will be held prior to the Memorial Service in the Methodist Columbarium for family only. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Lexington Community Foundation or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.