Robert Allen Jones, 77, of Morgantown passed away peacefully at Mon Health Medical Center on Dec. 22, 2021, after an extended illness. He is now resting comfortably with his Lord and Savior.
Robert, also known as Bob, Dad and Papa, was born in Clarksburg on Feb. 29, 1944. He spent his years growing up in Bridgeport and graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1962.
Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon Lee (Rice), of Morgantown, and children, Amy E. Jones-Overfield (Robert), of Morgantown, and Christopher T. Jones (Tara), of Pittsburgh. He is also survived by several grandchildren: Collin, Lilly and Jack Overfield, of Morgantown, and Eliana, Nathaniel and Joshua Jones, of Pittsburgh. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Stephen Jones, of Swedesboro, N.J.; sister, Marsha Jones, of Bridgeport; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Eleanor Lou Jones, brother Thomas Jones, and sister Gretchen Jones.
Bob was a member of Spruce Street United Methodist Church and taught children’s Sunday school classes. In addition, he attended Pierpont Church of the Nazarene and participated in Bible studies. Bob was interested in other organized religions as well and attended the Islamic Center of Morgantown and visited other houses of worship.
Bob spent his life helping others as a social worker in Morgantown and surrounding communities, as well as becoming a college professor at West Virginia University and Alderson Broaddus University. He spent countless hours volunteering and advocating for children in foster care and with the homeless community in Morgantown.
Although graduating from WVU with undergraduate and master’s degrees, Bob continued to be a life-long learner. He enjoyed the challenges of playing piano and using photography to artfully capture scenes around him and becoming the family events photographer aka “Papa Razzi.” Bob enthusiastically researched and discovered his family’s roots through genealogy and deeply explored several different religious paths along his spiritual journey.
As someone who took in all things Morgantown, Bob liked to spend his time “shooting the bull” at the Blue Moose Cafe, eating chili dogs at various local establishments (Gene’s, Town Hill, etc.) and following the ups and downs of the Mountaineer sports teams. He thoroughly enjoyed his “grand-dogs,” Peggy and Cody, and gave and received much love from them. Probably most of all, he enjoyed attending his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and activities and being a vocal supporter. He was definitely a hands-on dad and papa, had a contagious smile and left behind a legacy of love.
In accordance with his wishes, Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation services.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 2 p.m. until time of the memorial service at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, with the Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey.
Bob was a big believer in paying it forward. In recognition of this, please consider taking time to show God’s love by helping those around you in need and taking a moment to give thanks to our healthcare workers who provided such great care for him.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
