Anderson, SC - Robert C. Jones, age 90, of Anderson, passed away at Rainey Hospice House on Sunday, January 19, 2014. Born on August 26, 1923, in Linden Hall, PA, he was the son of the late Albin Jones and the late Anna Davis Jones. For 65 years, he was the loving and devoted husband of Adeline Charlotte Robinson Jones, of the residence.
Mr. Jones proudly served his country in the US Army Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during WWII. He was assigned to the 9th Air Force. Robert was a radio operator aboard a C-47 and flew two missions over Normandy Beach during the invasion dropping paratroopers and gliders. Initially stationed in Exeter, England, he was later assigned to Orleans. France. As the war ended his unit flew to Schweinfurt, Germany, dropping off fuel and supplies for the advancing Patton’s army and bringing American POWs out on the return flight. Among the honors Robert received were the Air Medal, American Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. He also participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in 1945 from Fort Dix, NJ.
Mr. Jones retired after 25 years of employment as an Industrial Engineer with Ingersoll Rand, Phillipsburg, NJ.
He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church as long as health permitted, and was a member of Hiram Masonic Lodge. While still living in New Jersey he was a member of Orpheus Lodge, Stockton, where he served two terms as Master. He also was a member of Scottish Rite in Greenville.
In addition to his wife, Addie, he is survived by two sons, Raimon R. Jones and his wife, Alice, of Phillipsburg, NJ, and Richard N. Jones and his wife, Jean, of Hamburg, PA; a daughter, Barbara A. Shanahan and her husband, Theodore, of York, PA; two nephews, Charles Brown and his wife, Virginia of Hartwell, GA, and Alan Brown and wife, Meme, of Peachtree City, GA; five grandchildren, Sean Shanahan, Heather Bortz, Lindsey Zuluaga, Travis Jones and Sarah Jones. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Jones was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Brown and a brother, Charles Jones.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Jones will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Caroline E. Berardi officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 302 W. Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.