Leon I Jones

MUNCIE—Leon I. Jones, 102, passed away at home on May 19. Born in Oxford, N.Y., on March 27, 1914, to Carl I. and Marion (Tefft) Jones, he graduated from Oxford Academy & Union School; he earned an A.B. degree and a B.S. degree in library science from Syracuse University, followed by a masters degree in adult education from Columbia University. His first professional position was librarian at King Ferry School, King Ferry, N.Y.; he also served as library director for the Warren Library Association, Warren, Pa.

In the U.S. Army from 1943-45, Leon served in Ireland, England, Normandy, Belgium, and Germany. He was wounded in action in Hürtgen Forest in 1944. He joined the Muncie Public Library as assistant librarian in 1946 and served as library director 1956-1980. He believed strongly in the power of knowledge to benefit all citizens and worked continually to expand access to library services. His legacy includes launching Hunt Branch, Kennedy Branch, and Conley Branch, as well as bookmobile service around the city, and he remained a champion for the library after retirement. With his wife, Carolyn (Carson) Jones, he was an active participant in the Great Books and Charles Dickens reading and discussion groups. He was also a member of the Indiana Library Association and the Optimist Club.

Leon belonged to Hazelwood Christian Church, where he was an elder for 18 years as well as a member of the choir. He further expressed his love of singing through Masterworks Chorale, and he and Carolyn were in the group that performed at Carnegie Hall in 1990.

Leon is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; son Stephen G. Jones (wife, Karen), Las Vegas, NV.; three daughters, Karen Jones (partner, Jerry Sutherland), Portland, OR., Kristin Doyle, Indianapolis, and Cathy Brogan, Muncie; grandsons Joshua Yeager, Indianapolis, and Jason Doyle, Greenfield; and great-grandchildren Kierstin and Coen Doyle, Greenfield; brothers Derwin Jones, Phoenix, NY, and David Jones (wife, Myrna), Saugerties, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Carl Burton Jones. A former spouse, Mary Jane Cratty, is also deceased.

Leon requested cremation. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, at Hazelwood Christian Church, with Rev. Jason Jones and Dr. David Cartwright officiating. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muncie Public Library (https://www.munciepubliclibrary.org/donate-to-mpl/) or Hazelwood Christian Church.

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