Mark Jones passed from this world on Sunday, April 2, 2023. He went into The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center two weeks beforehand, fighting to repair the heart and kidney that had worked too hard, for too long, much like Mark himself.
Mark was the youngest of three kids born to the late Daniel E. and Dahlia (McClurg) Jones on March 23, 1953, in Bellefontaine. As the youngest, Mark was frequently made an accomplice to his older brother and sister’s mischief, even if mostly as an innocent bystander. They have fond memories of him napping with the horses and being followed by a parade of animals around their family farm.
The day after graduating from Bellefontaine High School in 1971, he started working at H.K. Porter Company, now HBD Industries. He worked there for the next 47 years, retiring as a foreman. Outside of work, he enjoyed working on cars and martial arts. It was through the latter hobby that Mark met the love of his life, Rebecca (Rapp), at a karate party. Within months, a photo of the new couple appeared in the newspaper, both in karate gis, Mark with mutton chops and what would become a legendary mustache and Becky with a long braid and a kerchief tied in her hair (it was the 70s after all). Mark demonstrated a block while Becky attempted a high kick to the head. This accurately represented their power dynamic for the rest of their devoted and loving, 47 year-long marriage.
Mark and Becky went on to have two daughters, whom they taught by example to be self-sufficient, hardworking, and loyal. Both daughters agree they couldn’t have had a better father. As a quiet man, Mark demonstrated his love through his actions. Whether through car repairs, fixing things around the house, coaching softball, or driving the girls to and from practices and lessons after working all night, Mark showed his family he cared through thousands of small and meaningful moments. Mark lovingly found creative ways to engage the imaginations of his daughters too. He built them a swing set out of telephone poles and brought a boat home to install in the backyard as a playhouse. He also taught them practical skills that every girl should know, such as changing a tire, changing her oil, balancing a checkbook, and sharpening a knife. Three of his cherished, true joys arrived in the last nine years of his life in the form of his grandchildren, whom he loved to tease.
Mark’s wife, Becky survives in Bellefontaine. He is also survived by his two daughters: Jessimi (Graham Davis) Jones of Springfield, and Eliza (Steven Cotton) Jones of the Isle of Wight, England; 3 grandchildren: Piper Cotton, Samuel Cotton, and Dahlia Davis; a brother Dallas (Kit) Jones of North Carolina; a sister Maggie (Dennis Black) Robinson of North Carolina; and several much-loved nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Monday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund via: www.kidneyfund.org.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Jones family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.