Richard Duane Jones, 76, Fairfax, died November 26, 2025 following a lengthy illness due to Agent Orange.
He was born December 3, 1948 in Maryville Missouri the son of the late Darrell and Virginia “Fern” (Barnett) Jones.
Richard attended the rural Yale Elementary School, Tarkio High School, and graduated in 1966 from Fairfax High School, where he was active in football.
He attended one year of college at Maryville and 1 semester at Clarinda before being drafted into the military. Richard joined the United States Air Force in January 1969; serving at Lackland AFB in Texas, Mather AFB in California, serving June 1970-June 1971 in Vietnam; 4 years at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein Germany; and Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
While serving in the military he married Debra Kay (Debbie) Ray on July 10, 1971. They enjoyed traveling Europe while in the service; meeting friends from different parts of the world.
After leaving the Air Force in 1976, Richard worked in farming, and also as a mechanic and service manager with Fairfax Implement, Eaton Corp in production, Kawasaki with Research and Development and then retired in March 2015.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Jones of the home; daughter Kirsten (Quentin) Strueby of Cosby, Missouri, one grandson, Grayson Strueby of Cosby; two sisters, Marilyn (Leon) Reed of Fairfax, Kathryn (Steve) Deckard of Marshfield, Missouri. Many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Fern Jones, two brothers, Gary Jones and James L. (Jim Jones).
Richard loved to fish, boat, work on old equipment (especially tractors), taking the time to teach people how to fix things, and spend quality time with family. He took us to horse shows and was in charge of polishing the horse’s hooves and making certain everything was clean on the horse before getting to the arena. He gave almost everyone a nickname. He was loving called Rich, Little Richie, and Jonesy to his “people.”
His daughter Kirsten and grandson Grayson were very special to him. He spent countless hours teaching Kirsten how to run farm equipment, back trailers, how to treat people kindly and help them always, and just live life to the fullest. He and Grayson would take lots of trips on the old tractor, Steamy.
Richard was a kind and caring man who knew Jesus. He helped people in so many ways and was just a “Good old boy.” He was mechanically inclined could fix cars with lifesavers, plastic spoons, pantyhose, and whatever else was available. He was our “MacGyver”.
Richard was a member of the Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax Lodge 483, and Scottish Rite .A Masonic service will be held at 6:30 PM Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Funeral services will be held at 2:15 PM Wednesday December 3,2025 at the Fairfax Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12-2 prior to the service. Military services will be provided by the Missouri Honors Team and the Ralph Greer American Legion Post 49 of Rock Port at the church following the service. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax.
In lieu of flowers (your choice) memorials are suggested to the Fairfax Baptist Church or AseraCare Hospice in the care of the funeral home.
Schooler Funeral Home Fairfax/Craig
