Richard Franklin Jones

Richard Franklin Jones, 78, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since 2008, formerly of Colchester, CT, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022, in Fort Myers. He was born October 28, 1944, in Toledo, OH to Herrell and Anna Jones, both deceased.

Richard attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Fort Myers. He was in the United States Navy for 21 years and then went back to school for electronics. He then worked at the Hartford Courant for 17 years running one of the computer rooms. He was known through his life as Richard, Dick, and Papa. Richard was number 10 of 12 children born in Toledo, OH and forever a fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians. He met the love of his life Joyce in January 1968 at a “dance”, married soon after and had three beautiful daughters. He was always about family and spending time with them including going on fun, memorable family trips each year, sometimes spontaneously. He loved life and was always on the move. He was the original “YOLO” (You Only Live Once). Forever the energizer bunny, he enjoyed many activities. With fishing, he taught his daughters how to put the worm on the hook and the patience to get their lines out of a tree limb. With golfing, he enjoyed this sport with his friends and family – in early years, he sometimes let his daughters caddy or drive the golf cart. With camping, he would set up the camper by himself in the rain while keeping his family dry in the car. With flying, he had his pilot’s license for a number of years and loved to be above the clouds. With bowling, from early days on leagues winning trophies to an after church and breakfast family adventure to the bowling alley. With playing pool, whether in Maimy’s basement, on a league, in a bar or his daughter’s basement, it was a loved past time. With walking and cycling, whether in Florida on the beach, on the trials in CT, or around his neighborhood, he was always on the move. And with dancing, Dick LOVED to dance with his wife, doing their unique dance that only two people that have been together for 54 years could do. Knowing the turn, the spin and free dance before coming back together and starting the routine all over again. When he slow danced, he would tuck his wife’s hand close to his heart and danced the same way for each father daughter dance at their weddings. He loved music, especially Johnny Cash. He loved animals including going to the Zoo or surprising his wife and kids with another dog. He was a quiet man of love when he was younger, but always expressed “I LOVE YOU 365 plus” in later years. He will be always known as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and a devoted friend to all. He will be missed with his infectious laugh and warm heart.

On a personal note, Joyce would like to thank Dick for giving her a lifetime of happiness. She felt loved and cherished by him every day. Her dancing partner for life to whom quality time with family meant everything.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce Jones of Fort Myers, FL; three loving children, Michelle Ladegard (Brian) of Colchester, CT, Marie Bouchard (Jason) of Winsted, CT, and Teresa Meadows (Michael) of Fort Myers, FL; siblings, Louise Ostberg (Karl) of Corpus Christi, TX, and Ed Jones of Toledo, OH; as well as seven grandchildren, Caroline Ferguson (Kyle), Abigail Yelle (Cory), Elizabeth Ladegard (William Denno), Logan Tabek, Emilienne Bouchard (Ryley Weiss), Eliana Bouchard, and Jaden Meadows.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10am, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919 with Father Frank officiating.

Committal Services with Military Honors will be held 1:30 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Richard Franklin Jones can be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.