Robert Holman Jones, of South Bristol, passed away peacefully at his home on April 1, following a long illness.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on March 20, 1926, the son of Robert Allen and Ada Holman Jones.
He graduated from Colgate University and was a Naval Lieutenant in WWII and the Korean conflict.
He moved with his wife, Sheridan Foxall Jones, to South Bristol from West Chester, Penn. in 1995, where they continued their interest in antiques. Bob also became a supportive member of the Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in South Bristol, a trustee of Lincoln Academy from 1996-2005, a member of the advisory committee for the addition to the South Bristol Elementary School, and a founder and first president of the Senior College of the University of Southern Maine. He was a member of the Damariscotta Rotary Club, the Alna Anchor Masonic Lodge, and the Kora Shrine.
During his time in the U.S. Navy, Bob served as a cryptographer as well as traveled from French Indo China to Manchuria in an LST (Landing Ship Tank). On board he performed repatriation duties all along the China coast, including hauling ammunition to Chang Kai-Chek.
Bob was a loving husband, father, pop-pop and friend to many people. He had a giant heart and helped anyone who needed him. He devoted his life to many causes including his participation in the formation of the Lincoln Academy lacrosse team, serving as a mentor to several local elementary school students, befriending the Hispanic community of South Bristol, and taking part in anti-war protests through the Bridges for Peace organization.
He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Jones Pollack.
In addition to his wife, Sherry, Bob is survived by his children, Robert Wood Jones (Debra) of Bedford, N.Y., Dana (James) Lee of Atlanta, Ga., and Posey (Joseph) Valis of Baltimore, Md.; grandchildren, Samantha and Peyton Jones, Alexandra and Caroline Lee, and Roselynd and Brinton Valis; stepchildren, Amy Steel Pulitzer (Peter), Philip Steel, Eric Steel, and Robert Steel (Marcie); step-grandchildren, Tyler and Benjamin Steel, Emma and Charlotte Pulitzer, Alexander and Dalton Steel, and Erin, Hunter, and Grace Steel; and brother, Ralph Allen Jones of Ithaca, N.Y.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service 2 p.m., Sat., April 7 at the Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, corner of Route 129 & Middle Road, South Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Lincoln Academy, P.O. Box 382, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
