Clifford “Gene” Jones, 79

Clifford “Gene” Jones, age 79 of Kearney, NE passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Mt. Carmel Home in Kearney. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Interment followed at the Kearney Cemetery.

Clifford “Gene” Eugene Jones was born March 10, 1942 in Springview, NE to Clifford and Hazel (Blake) Jones. He was raised in Springfield, NE until his sophomore year of high school. The family moved to Loup City, NE and later to Mason City where Gene helped on the family farm until he left to attend trade school in Milford, NE. Gene was a mechanic in Broken Bow and Ansley and was a service manager in Wayne and Ravenna for several years. Gene was united in marriage to Karen Rapp on October 9, 1966 at the Methodist Church in Ansley, NE. The family moved to Kearney in 1982. Gene was an over the road truck driver before working at Anderson Wrecking and later the Loomis Salvage Yard. He went back to driving truck, retiring in 1992. Most recently, Gene and Karen sold peaches at farmers markets in Kearney.

Gene was a past member of the Eagle’s Club and the American Legion. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for several years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen Jones of Kearney; children, Bobbie Jo (Tim) Ackley of Lincoln, NE, Michael (Kristie) Jones of Lincoln, Pamela Rapp of Kearney, Lonnie (Judy) Jones of Kearney and Marcia (Sean) Temoshek of Kearney; 24 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; sister, Edith Van-Cleave of Omaha, NE; brothers-in-law, Jack Frost of Omaha, Gail (Deb) Rapp of Blair, NE and Kevin (Jeanne) Rapp of Ansley; sisters-in-law, Judy Jones of Mason City, Linda (John) Sturgill of Doniphan and Marlene Rapp of Kingsland, GA; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Clifford was preceded in death his parents; sister, Freda Frost; brothers, Johnny Earl Jones and Donald Jones; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edmond “Bud” and Rosa Rapp; brothers-in-law, Cliff and Keith Rapp; and his longtime friend, Wayne Welsh.

Memorials are suggested to the National Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services were entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.