Roger Francis Jones – Manchester

Roger Francis Jones passed away, February 23 rd , 2026, at his son’s home in
Goldendale, WA. Roger was born on July 4, 1935, in Oakdale Township along the
Minnesota-Iowa border, the youngest son of Inga (Hansen) Jones and Hollis Jones. He
was the youngest of eight children, with five brothers and two sisters.

Despite his dreams to one day attend college, Roger quit school after eighth grade to
help run the family farm due to his father’s physical disability. His older siblings for the
most part had begun lives of their own. Like many young men of that era, he was
drafted into the Army. Aptitude testing revealed he would’ve easily succeeded in
college. Because of his high scores, he was assigned to what he fondly referred to as a
“cushy job” at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA. It was there that he met the love of his
life, Betty (Wofford) Jones.

Together they built a wonderful life eventually settling in Manchester, IA where Roger
worked for GTE doing a job he truly loved. He cherished his annual fishing trips to
Canada with his brothers, cousins, nephews, and friends. In retirement he and Betty
took up golf, a pastime he continued after her passing in 2014. Just last summer he
decided he could not see the ball well enough and retired his clubs. Spending 50 plus
years in his rural home he had the pleasure of helping his friend and neighbor with a bit
of farming work which brought him great joy putting him back in touch with his younger
roots.

Roger is survived by his son, E. Wayne Jones and his wife Robin; five grandchildren;
and four great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Roger will be laid to rest in Chester Iowa, beside his beloved wife, Betty. A celebration
of life will be held at a later date in both Manchester, and Chester Iowa when
arrangements are finalized.