Howard Lee Jones, age 94, was born March 31, 1927, at Washington, Franklin County, MO, a son of Robert Leo and Sarah Bridgetta "Sadie" (Wiles) Jones, and departed this life Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Mercy Hospital, St. Louis.

He was first united in marriage September 14, 1946, at Vienna, to the former Miss Violet Lucille Crider, who preceded him in death June 18, 1992. Howard was later united in marriage June 12, 1999, at Vienna, to the former Mrs. Emma Jean (Duncan) Wagner, who survives.

In November of 1944, Howard entered in active federal service in the United States Navy and served until April 18, 1952, when he was discharged at San Francisco, California, at the rank of SH3/45 (3 ^rd Class Petty Officer). His military training included Basic Naval Training 8 weeks, Laundry School 10 weeks, Carpenter Course 15 months, and Auto Mechanic Course 5 months. During his naval career, Howard was stationed at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois, at the Naval Supply Depot, Okinawa, and at the Naval Military Installation, Guam. A man of excellent character, Howard's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He was a member of Vienna Christian Life Assembly, and a former member of the American Legion. During his retirement, Howard enjoyed building and selling birdhouses and donating the proceeds to the church. He enjoyed fly fishing, especially in the Maries River, as well as loving to spend time with his grandchildren. During his working life, Howard was first employed by the Brown Shoe Company at the Dixon location and retired out of the Cabool location in 1982, after twenty-five years with the company.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Jones include: His wife, Emma, of the home; one son, Edward "Eddie" Jones (Katherine), St. Louis; his step-children, Peggy Banks (David), St. Louis, Joanne Veasman, Dixon, Cathy Politowski (Al), Atlanta, Georgia, and Rick Wagner (Eunice), St. Louis; his forty plus grandchildren including great, great-great, and great-great-great; nephews; nieces; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet (6-18-1992); his daughter, Sandra Jean Thacker (6-17-1987); his father, Robert (2-8-1930); his mother, Sadie (3-14-1986); his sister, Faye Marie Jones (2-8-1930), at age 5; his brother, Robert "Ralph" Jones (3-3-2011; and his step-father, McKinley Wilson (10-14-1976).

Visitation for Mr. Howard L. Jones will be held from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Clifford Wagner, Jr., Vienna Christian Life Assembly, officiating.

Interment will be next to his first wife, Violet, in the Vienna Public Cemetery under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna. Pallbearers for Mr. Jones will be Andy Andersen, Rickey Helton, Derrick Jones, Brandon Bowers, Allen Ackley, and Jason Veasman, and his honorary pallbearers will be Joel Jones, Alvin Crider, Chesley Jones, Pat Jones, and Mickey Jones.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to United Cerebral Palsy Heartland, 13975 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63011 or by using their website ucpheartland.org