Age: 69
JONES, Thomas E.
Mattawan and Cave City, AR
Tom went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 6, 2011 in the V.A. Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. He was born November 1, 1941 in Kings Mill, AR the son of Riley and Martha J. (Hoffman) Jones. He enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1960 to 1969. Tom loved the Marine Corps and served his country with dignity and pride before being injured by breaking his back in the line of duty. After 2 years in the hospital he undertook a new career with the Jerberger Steel Forging Factory and then became the local United Steel Workers President. With his leader ship and talent he was then hired by the Steel Workers Union to be the International Union Representative, working fairly for the employees and companies. Tom loved his dogs and had his K-9 friends with him wherever he was. On July 25, 1992 in Mattawan, Tom was united in marriage to Laura Lee (Hall) who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Catherine (Brian) Echtinaw of Paw Paw; son, Jerry (Nicole) McCord of Mattawan; grandchildren Tiffany Echtinaw of Paw Paw and Jade, Willow and Ivy McCord of Mattawan; mother, Martha (Jim) Copeland of Mattawan; 2 sisters, Doris Collins of Niles, MI and Ruby Garrison of Mattawan; nephews, Larry Lathrop, Gordon Ramlow, Samuel and Thomas Garrison; niece, Krin Kendall; several aunts, uncles and cousins; in-laws, Catherine and Pastor Leon George of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his father, Riley Jones and a dear friend, Pete Buentello. Family will receive friends Wednesday evening 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where funeral services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. with Pastor David Stevens officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
