Ronald “Gene” Jones, 67, of Phippsburg, died peacefully at his home after a valiant battle with cancer on Aug. 9.
Gene was born in Bath on March 6, 1946 to Helen and James Jones. He joined the Army in 1968 and served with the 25th Infantry “Tropic Light” Division, also referred to as the “Electric Strawberry.” Gene was part of a motorcycle recon patrol in Vietnam, the first of its kind.
After serving two tours in Vietnam and earning the Army Commendation Medal, a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart, Gene returned home to Maine. He worked as a lobsterman, an over-the-road truck driver up and down the East coast, and then he worked for 28 years at the Bath Iron Works as a Rigger in Dept. 32 before he retired.
Gene enjoyed lobstering, tuna fishing, hunting, fishing, four wheeling and stock car racing. He liked the Wiscasset Raceway where he was a pit crew member for Ian Bresnahan and the crew chief for Kayla Marie Albert, and helped her mother Marje Albert.
Gene is survived by his long-time sweetheart, Brenda Eugley of Phippsburg, formerly of Damariscotta; daughter, Gena Ward-Reed, partner Nathan Llewellyn and her three children; brothers, Donald Young and wife Eunice of Camden, and John “Mike” Young, wife Chilloa of Phippsburg and their children, Justin and Chilloa Lee; and sister, Arlene and husband Bernard Taylor of Gardiner.
There will be a celebration of life held at the Small Point Baptist Church in Phippsburg at 2 p.m., Sun., Aug. 25. Gene’s ashes will be spread at a later date in Sumner at a private gathering with family and friends.
Donations in the memory of Gene Jones may be made to the Phippsburg Fire and Rescue Association, PO Box 83, Phippsburg, ME 04562.
