Robert (Bob) Randall Jones, age 87 years, passed away peacefully at his home in Independence on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Bob was born September 18, 1931, in Orrick, Missouri.  He moved to the Kingston, Missouri, area as a young child and remained there until 1947 when his family moved to Rochester, Minnesota.

In 1948 Bob enlisted in the US Army and after boot camp, was assigned to the 73rd Tank Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia.

In the summer of 1950, the 73rd Tankers were called into action in the Korean War.  Bob served with the unit as a tank driver and tank commander and engaged in combat at Pusan, Incheon, and the Chosin Reservoir.

After the war, Bob returned to Rochester where he met his future wife, JoAnne Marie Wallace.  Bob and JoAnne eloped to Los Angeles, California, and were married on July 3, 1952.

Bob and JoAnne eventually returned to Minnesota and lived and worked in Minneapolis until the summer of 1971.  During their time in Minneapolis Bob was employed by Medtronics, Inc. and all 3 of their children were born there.

In 1971 the family moved to Independence, Missouri.  During this time Bob worked as a purchasing agent for Bonzer Inc., Overland Park, KS, and Twin City Tool, Olathe, KS.

In 1987 Bob and JoAnne purchased property near Nevada, MO, and worked at Thorco manufacturing.

In 1996 Bob and JoAnne retired, sold their property, and traveled the country in their fifth wheel.  They traveled throughout the south and west; and eventually went all the way to Alaska.

After traveling for two years they settled in Lamar, MO.  After JoAnne's passing in 2001, Bob returned to Independence and remained there until his death.

Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Independence, the Korean War Veterans Association and 73rd Tank Battalion Association.  He served as quartermaster and president of the 73rd Tank Battalion Association and organized/hosted many of the 73rd Tank Battalion reunions.

Bob enjoyed exercising at the local YMCA, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  His sense of humor and friendly personality were cherished by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Nell Jones of Longview, Washington; wife, JoAnne Marie Wallace; brothers-Henry Eugene Jones, Fremont, CA.; JB Jones, Independence, MO.; and sister-Betty Wacker, Longmont, CO.

Bob is survived by his sister, Anna Lee Waadevig, Longview, WA; brother, George Jones, Worthing, England; his 3 sons-Gary and Katrina Jones, Lee's Summit, MO.; Tim and Kathy Jones, Independence, MO.; and Todd and Nijuana Jones, Lake Alfred, FL.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren-Mason, Bethany, Nick, Brent, Josiah, Abigail, and Sawyer; step-grandchildren-Kenneth, Michael and Nijuana Bellamy, and Connor, Collin and Caleb Allen; and 9 step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service:  2 p.m., Saturday, November 17, at the Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton, MO.

Visitation:  noon to 2 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home on Nov. 17.

Interment:  The Kingston Cemetery, Kingston, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Disabled Veterans.