Robert 'Bob' Lee Jones

Robert L. Jones    1921-2020

Robert Lee “Bob” Jones, 98, of Scottsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Grandparents Day, Sunday September 13, 2020. 

Bob was born on October 19th, 1921 in Scottsburg, son of Hilton P. and Thelma Thomas Jones.  He was a graduate of the Scottsburg High School Class of 1940.  Before high school graduation his father sold used Taxi’s obtained from Louisville, and about 1938, Jones Tire Company was established selling used and retread tires. 

Following in his father’s footsteps of Military Service, Bob entered the US Army on 28 September 1942 in Louisville, serving in the India, China (Defense) and Central Burma Theatre.    He was honorably discharged on 28 December 1945 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana as Technician Fifth Grade 3401st Ordnance Medium Automotive Maintenance Company.  He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Victory Medal of World War II.

After the War, Bob returned to Scottsburg, working with his father in the Jones Tire Company. He married Edna Johnson in Scottsburg and started a family.  In the early 1960’s he started National Tire Mart, a Tire wholesale business serving four states in route sales. In the 1970’s he was one of the Founders of the First National Bank of Scottsburg (now Chase bank) and served on the Board of Directors.

In his spare time, he enjoyed his house boat, the “Raidin’ Maiden” on the Ohio River, named after a WW II bomber.  In 1984, he sold the retail and wholesale businesses, retired, and began wintering in Naples, Florida, enjoying his walks on the beach to the Naples Pier.

Bob became a member of the Scottsburg Grand Lodge No. 572, Free & Accepted Masons in 1947, remaining a member for 73 years.  In 1967, he was Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Edward T Breathitt.  In October 2018, Bob was honored by the Southern Indiana Genealogical Society as a First Family of Clark County, Indiana. His direct descent from Joseph Jones was proven as a Pioneer Settler in Otto, Indiana beginning in 1813. 

Bob and his third wife Betty Kilburn Jones were members of the United Methodist Church of Scottsburg.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his three wives, and one great-grandson, Blake Hill.

Bob is survived by his four children, Brenda Jones (Larry) Greif of Bluford, IL; Susan Jones Leatherbury of Salem, Robert (Carol) Jones of Scottsburg, and Brent Jones of Pace, FL; Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, Morgan Greif (Matt) Keith, Ryder and Rory of Louisville, James McDonald, Salem,  Tiffany McDonald (Karl) Heimer, Wolfgang and Leopold of Pasadena, MD, Suzanne Leatherbury (James) Burkhead, Addyson Downs, and twins, Sutherlyn and Brooks Burkhead of Hamburg, Whitney Leatherbury Hill, Brennan and Mallory of Lanesville, C. Benjamin Leatherbury of Indianapolis and Ryan (Lisa) Jones of Scottsburg.  Also surviving are his loyal friend Wilbur Amick of Louisville; caregiver Kimberly Casey of Salem, IN; Bob’s first cousins, Larry Thomas, Peter Lach, Michael Lach, and twins, Jane Lach and Jean Lach-Barnas.

Services will be 1pm, Thursday, September 17 2020 at Stewart & Hoagland Funeral Home, 80 N First Street, Scottsburg with Rev William Talbott officiating.  Visitation will be 11am until time of service at 1pm with Masonic Services at 1pm.   Burial to follow at Scottsburg Cemetery with Military Honors.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Scottsburg Clearinghouse thru the United Methodist Church of Scottsburg or a charity of your choice.

Visitation & Services will be open to the public as long as social distancing guidelines can be observed. Please follow the CDC’s recommendations & guidelines while attending the Services. FACE COVERINGS WILL BE REQUIRED due to the Governor’s executive order.