Read Charles "Charlie" Kenneth Jones's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Charles "Charlie" Kenneth Jones

Detroit, MI, USA

February 6, 1949 - October 10, 2020

Feb 6, 1949 - Oct 10, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Help with cost of final arrangements.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Charles Kenneth Jones
Was born February 6, 1949 to Viola and Kenneth Jones .
He grew up in various parts of Texas and was very proud of his roots.He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and would remain one no matter their standing/record every season; often shouting "Cowboys!" over the phone everytime they scored, to whoever he was talking to.
During a time when many were being drafted, Dad decided to volunteer to serve in the Navy. He served four tours in Vietnam and during that time was shot down in enemy territory and listed as MIA for eight months. It was through perseverance and bravery, that he made it back to friendly lines. Like many vets, Dad rarely talked about his wartime experiences. It affected him deeply and would haunt him his entire life. There were no parades, no positive support from fellow Americans and no thanks for his service when he came home, yet he continued to express his love for his country.
Dad loved those around him deeply, and if you were a woman who won his heart, he would put his whole self into his devotion to you... Sometimes it was a good thing and sometimes not so good but it was always a genuine thing.
Dad was a talented artist; a skilled painter, sketcher, wood worker and crafter and enjoyed making things with his own hands. He was also a musician and could play the guitar with amazing skill.He rarely sang the songs he played.. in fact the only song I ever heard him sing was "House of the Rising Son" and he sang it with a bluesy, raspy, haunting voice that fascinated me.
In 1973, he became a father for the first time and would end up a father of 2 daughters and a son: all of whom he loved with all of his heart. After his divorce, he became a single dad of 3 children at a time when that was virtually unheard of. He raised us to love family, be honest, be proud of who you are, love the Cowboys and barbecue a mean brisket.
He was preceded in death by both his father, Kenneth and mother, Viola and survived by his brother; Mike, sister; Sharon, children; Wendy, Stormy, and Nate, niece; Dena, nephews; James and Rick, his grandchildren; Genny, Morgan, Taylor, Braiden, Connor, Hailey, Rick and Griffin, his great grandchildren; Constance and Lillian, his son in laws; Brian and Charlie, his brother in law; Richard and daughter in law Jan and countless friends and extended family.
There are so many things I wish I could express that would fully describe my dad... I loved him deeply and he held a heroes place in my heart my entire life. He was kind but if you hurt one of us he could be the most dangerous man you never saw coming. He made me feel safe when I was growing up but exasperated me when he would meet my boyfriends at the door (with a knife or gun he just happened to be "cleaning" lol )
He was a stubborn, pig headed, ballsy, proud man but he was also a kind, caring, sympathetic,great man. He loved his family deeply but struggled to express that love and was often too proud to bridge the gap created by misunderstanding or disagreements.... A Jones family trait.
He was not perfect but none of us are. He made mistakes, all of us do. He was the greatest man I've ever known; I loved him and still love him with all of my broken heart. I will miss him more than I can express.

Safe travels dad.....you're forever in my heart.
Charles Kenneth Jones
2/6/49 - 10/10/20

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to Help with cost of final arrangements.

$500.00

of $1,500 goal

33 %

Learn more & give