Dr. Vernon K. Jones

Vernon was born on his family’s farm near Hesperia, Michigan on October 17, 1933, to Robert and Altha (Moon) Jones. He was the youngest of five children who survived infancy. He grew up on that farm, and never forgot where he came from.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Elizabeth (Armstrong) Jones, sons Randy, Ron, and Larry (Patty), and also by his grandchildren Kelsea (Max Duncan), Travis (Peter Navario), Danielle, and Braden Jones and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses: R. Edwin (Millie), Gardner (Pauline), H. Elaine (Cloyce) Webster, and Vivian (Don) Vlas, and by Ron’s wife, Jody Vander Yacht. He was also privileged to be part of Elizabeth’s family, including Margaret Edmonds, Carole Armstrong, and John (Earlene) Armstrong.

Vernon earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Michigan State University. After returning from service in the U.S. Army in Korea, he earned an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from MSU. He eventually became a high school science teacher, serving in Covert, Eau Claire, and Eaton Rapids Michigan schools. He returned to MSU to earn a second M.S. in Geology, doing his field research on the Juneau Ice Field in Alaska. This was followed by his Ph.D. in Agricultural Climatology, with a dissertation on climate and crop yields in Michigan, also earned at MSU.

He worked in his doctoral field at the University of Missouri—Columbia, doing agricultural research and extension service and serving as climatologist for the Missouri Integrated Pest Management Program. His primary research was in impacts upon agriculture of a possible carbon dioxide-induced climate change. This study was done in the mid-1980’s, well before public awareness of the problem. Later, he returned to Michigan and taught physical geography at Western Michigan University and Ferris State University.

Although they had traveled and camped from the beginning of their marriage, in their retirement Vern and Liz became serious RVers. At one time or another they visited all 50 states and most of the Canadian provinces. They traveled to other parts of the world, too, including China, Australia and New Zealand, South America including the Galapagos Islands, and also Great Britain and western Europe.

Vern loved music of most kinds, from classical to bluegrass and gospel. He would join in at the drop of a flat, singing any harmony part, with or without written music. He sang baritone with the Victory Four for some years, and later sang tenor and other parts as needed with the Gospel Messengers for twelve years. He sang with various choruses and small ensembles and in church choirs wherever he lived. He also enjoyed playing guitar and singing in jam sessions at campgrounds around the country.

He enjoyed talking with people from diverse backgrounds, whether national, ethnic, or religious. He was deeply concerned with the future of the world and its people, and the various impacts of human activity upon this world. He combined a wide-ranging intellect with a global viewpoint. Yet despite his academic approach in his thoughts, he did not take himself overly seriously.

A memorial service for Dr. Vernon K. Jones will be held at 1 pm on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Edgewood United Church of Christ in East Lansing.