Robert E. Jones Sr.

Obituary ROBERT EARL JONES, SR., was born to Joe Ruby Jones and Hattie Andrews on January 30, 1949, in Columbia, Mississippi. He was the fifth of eight children. From an early age, Robert could always be found at his father’s side, learning how to be a handyman and fix just about anything that was broken. He had a gift for turning nothing into something. He loved tinkering on trucks with his dad and eventually took on the role of head laborer on the family farm. Though Robert was known as a prankster and jokester to his siblings, he remained dedicated to his studies. Shop and agricultural classes became natural to him, but he also enjoyed playing basketball and football.

He graduated from John J. Jefferson High School. While the family loved and considered Mississippi home, they relocated to Richmond Heights, Missouri, in 1966. Robert joined them in 1968. It was there that Robert met and married the love of his life, Ivory Ruth Williams. The two married in 1970 in his parents’ living room—a beautiful beginning to a lifelong partnership. Together they had three children: Troy, Michelle, and Robert Jr. He was a loving husband, a supportive father, a proud grandfather, and an excellent provider—all that his family needed him to be, he filled the role. 

He was also an active member and Deacon at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Oliver. K. Patterson, Sr. Robert worked at various jobs, however, being a self-taught
mechanic was the trade that he would move forward with in life. After retirement from Riley Ready Mix, he found joy in opening his own businesses RJ Auto, Jones & Brooks LLC and RJ Hauling LLC. He later became Board Vice Chairman for MOKAN, where he poured into the lives of those that were interested in entrepreneurship by speaking to a younger generation and being a hands-on leader. Whilst the jobs may have changed over the years, one thing remained the same

Robert always had a cup of cowboy coffee every morning at the local White Castle, a few steps away from his home. He was well known and well respected by those in the community.
Very seldom did Robert step away from work, but when he did, he was found sitting in front of his television with a nice homecooked meal and cowboy movies. On special occasions you could find him frying turkey, fish, and grilling ribs for family functions. Robert left us on November 4, 2025, with his loved ones by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe R. Jones; mother, Hattie Jones; sister, Ossie Mae; and brothers, Johnnie and Charles.

He is survived by his wife, Ivory Ruth; children, Troy, Michelle, and Robert Jr.; grandchildren, Jayquan, Kris, Cortez, Trevez, Caleb, Mya, Jasmine, Jaylah, and great-grandchildren; siblings, Ruthie (Bill), Ruby, Earnestine (Gerald), and Jerry; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary, Lenora, Amanda, Henrietta, Jacqueline, Sheila, Sam, David, Don, and Robert; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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