Donald Jones, age 83, died at home on April 7, 2014. He was born in Detroit, MI on July 25, 1930. He was married on June 21, 1952 to Elizabeth Kalajian. Donald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his son, Larry (Joyce) Jones; his two daughters, Judy (Leo) Modica and Lois (Peter) Stenstrom; eight grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Myers, Matthew (Kylie) Jones, Daniel (Tina) Jones, Andrea Modica, Christopher Modica, Jacob, Hannah and Boston Stenstrom; and seven great-grandchildren, Anna, Jared, Joshua, Mason, Ben, Addison and Eloise.

He received his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and master's degree from Wheaton Graduate School. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry by his home church in 1956 at Springwells Avenue Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan. He began his pastoral career in Chicago, IL at Galilee Baptist Church and served as a pastor in churches in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, including a chaplaincy at Americana Monticello in Hinsdale, and a 15-year chaplaincy at Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream, IL. He most recently served as a part-time pastor to seniors at College Church, in Wheaton, IL.

Rev. Jones has always had an interest in world missions serving for 12 years on the Board of the Conservative Baptist Home Mission Society and five years as a national officer of the Conservative Baptist Association of Churches. His service there took him to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Columbia, Quebec and major cities of the United States.

When not working, Donald enjoyed spending time with his family and playing with his grand and great-grandchildren. He loved to travel and he and Elizabeth traveled to many of the 50 states, including Hawaii, and London. He and his son, Larry, had recently enjoyed a trip to Israel. He especially enjoyed pursuing his love of gardening and attracting a variety of birds to his backyard. He gave generously of his time and gifts in serving the two things that will last into eternity, people and God's Word. His particular love for the written word found expression in his love of reading from a wide variety of books, including mysteries. He never worked challenging crossword puzzles in anything but permanent ink. His love of reading and words found expression in the way in which he crafted sermons and preached, which had lasting impact in the lives of people. He had developed a skill for remembering details, which, combined with his love for people, resulted in a surprising ability to remember names, faces and life stories of the hundreds of people he served over the course of his 55+ years in ministry.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, from 3-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2014 at College Church , 332 E. Seminary Ave, Wheaton, IL. A reception will follow the service and then interment will be held at Wheaton Cemetery at roughly 12:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Wheaton College Alumni Association , 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL, 60187; or the Bible Witness Camp , 16089 E. 2500S Road, Pembroke Township, IL, 60958.