Royal J. Jones

Royal Joseph Jones, 78, passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 5, 2021 at Altercare of Bucyrus after months of failing health.



He was born April 19, 1942 in Florence, Alabama to the late James Samuel Jones and Odessia Jewel (Dickerson) Jones. He was preceded in death by brother, Samuel James Jones and sister, Mary Ann (Jones) Merritt. The Jones family settled in Lima, Ohio in 1950, then moved to Crestline, Ohio in 1952. Royal played baseball and football growing up, but his lifelong passion was music. He played the violin and saxophone under the direction of Mrs. Varga and he was also active in band activities at Crestline High School, graduating in 1960. He attended Ohio State to further his music career. Royal served in the United States Army September 1965 to September 1967 during Vietnam. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Crawford County where he worked for The Timken Co until his retirement.



Along with his love of music, Royal will be remembered for his ability to build things including his home in Bucyrus. He was a member of Turner Chapel A.M.E. under the pastorate of Reverend Fannie Ramsey. He was an avid reader and a movie buff for cowboy movies. He followed the Ohio State and Cincinnati football teams.



Royal is survived by his devoted brother, David Lee Jones and sister-in law, Cynthia (Roane) Jones and family of Richmond, Virginia.



Services will be held on Monday, March 15 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus with Reverend Viola Dixon of Turner Chapel A.M.E. officiating. Friends may visit from 10-10:55 am and the funeral will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Crestline with military rites by the United States Army Honor Guard and Crestline-Galion Veterans Funeral Detail. Condolences can be given and a link to the Live Stream of the funeral can be accessed on Royal’s Tribute Wall.



Memorial donations are suggested to be made payable to National Kidney Foundation of Ohio and can be given at the funeral home.