Ronald Roy Jones, 81, formerly of Columbia City, died at 4:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at his home outside of Spencerville.

He was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Roseville, Calif. a son of the late Roy E. and Thelma (Gartung) Jones. His formative years were spent in California where he graduated from San Juan Unified High School. He then attended Roseville Community College.

On July 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Patricia Irene Claypool. They made their home in California.  In 1968, they moved to Fort Wayne and in 1970 to Columbia City. Patricia Jones died Nov. 21, 2012.

He began his work career with the State of California working as a lab technician. In 1968, he joined Precise Manufacturing in Fort Wayne where he retired in 1994 with 25 years of service.

He served with U.S. Army Reserves. Throughout his adult life, he enjoyed coin and stamp collecting.

He is survived by his six children: Janice Fritz, Spencerville, R. Scott (Michelle) Jones, Columbia City; Kevin Jones, Fort Wayne; Rebecca (Steve) Schmidt, Roseville, Calif.; Timothy (Jennifer) Jones, Fort Wayne; and Matthew (Nicole) Jones, Auburn; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a brother, Steve Jones, Sacramento, Calif.

Services are private. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials are to the Riley Children’s Hospital.