Robert Jones

Robert “Bob” Wayne Jones, age 90, died Sunday, February 12, 2023, at his residence in Linden, MI. An open visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel in Fenton, MI. Bob was born in Flint, MI on July 14, 1932, to Franklin and Marie Jones. He grew up in Flint and attended Hoover High School before working at General Motors and then joining the United States Air Force. He spent much of his boyhood on the Flint River with a group of friends who called themselves The Flint River Rats. He would meet his future wife, Doyleen (nee Gaines) who first caught his eye when she rode by on her bicycle in the neighborhood. Despite the two of them having mutual friends and Bob thinking she was “pretty cute,” Doyleen wasn’t sure he really knew she existed when she yelled out: “You probably can’t even spell my name!” Bob and Doyleen would make their home in Flint and later Byron where they raised three children: Diana, Frank, and David. During some of his young family’s life, they also spent time overseas where Bob served as a Supervisor in the Air Force Fire Department (Fire Brigade). Following his time in the service, Bob returned to GM where he spent a total of 30 years, the last 20 of which were at DynoLab working on engine performance. He would retire and spend many happy years in Florida before returning to Michigan. Loss would bring family into even keener focus for Bob, known to many as “Papa.” Papa came to enjoy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most in his later years. He loved to receive pictures of them, to watch them perform and play, and to celebrate their milestones and successes. He was incredibly proud of each of them, and they were responsible for that twinkle in his eye, which was always clearly visible on “Race Day.” Bob enjoyed time with all of his family and also his many friends at Holiday Shores and Loose Center in Linden. Bob will be remembered for being active and independent, for surviving and rebounding from tough times and loss, for being somewhat of a – ahem – neat freak, for his love of conversation, Coneys, and Coors. And maybe most of all for just being cool – not the kind of cool you can buy or acquire, but, rather, the kind of cool you just are. His many female admirers may attest to this, as well as all the young’uns who stayed up late to party with him on his recent 90th birthday! He was a treasured son, brother, uncle, cousin, father to Diana Horvath (Dan), Franklin Jones (Laura Kay), David Jones (Carol), grandfather “Papa” to Louise Woodford, Brian Horvath (Tara), Shane O’Dell (Amy), Lauren Slatton (Tony), Erik Jones (Holly), Lindsey Ratcliff (Dakota), and great grandfather to eight great grandchildren, including one due in April. Bob wasn’t afraid to go and will delight in reuniting with those who preceded him in death including his sweetheart, Doylene; his beloved son, David; his grandchildren Daniel and Louise; his parents, and three siblings. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.