Charles Jones

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Obituary

Charles Jones, 101, of Mt. Vernon, SD, died Monday, November 22, 2021, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 29, at Salem Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon. Burial will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 PM Sunday, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Charles Wallace Jones was born October 31, 1920, on the Jones family homestead south of Mt. Vernon to Truman Villemonte and Edna (Link) Jones. Wally grew up on the family farm with his sister, Mary. Wally attended school in Mt. Vernon where he graduated in 1938. He attended college at Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In July 1942, Wally was drafted into the Army during World War II. He was assigned to the 39^th Engineer Combat Regiment and saw action in Africa, Sicily, and Italy.  He was discharged from the Army in September of 1945 and became a member of the Mt. Vernon American Legion Pound Uhre Post.

On August 10, 1947, Wally married Fern Jorgensen at the Mt. Vernon Immanuel Lutheran Church.  They farmed for many years as the fourth generation located south of Mt. Vernon. Together they raised five children. They were married for 67 years.

Wally was an active member of the Salem Lutheran Church. He also served on the Mt. Vernon Public School Board, Township Board, and the Farmers Elevator Board. He was an active member of the community and an avid sports fan; he never missed a game.

Wally is survived by his children: Laura Gerlach, Boise, ID, Ginny (Larry) Storm, Port Orange, FL, Janie (Arnie) DeRuyter, Rock Valley, IA, John (Linda) Jones, Mt. Vernon, SD, Lyndy (Paul) Peterson, Sioux Falls, SD; fifteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and counting, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wally was preceded in death by his wife, Fern (Jorgensen) Jones; his parents; granddaughters, Jonalin Jones and Angela DeRuyter; sister, Mary and husband Dick Henry; nephew, John Jorgensen; niece, Judy Henry; and in-laws: Corrine (Walt) Deinert, Clayton (Mildred) Jorgensen, and Richard Jorgensen.

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