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Martin & Castille Funeral Home- Downtown

330 St. Landry Street

Lafayette, Louisiana

Robert Jones Obituary

Robert Rivers Jones passed from this life to the next as he slept on Tuesday April 22, 2014. He was at home with his wife and children. Bob was born in Lawrenceville, VA on February 18, 1934. He attended the University of Virginia (UVa) in Charlottesville where he earned his BA, MA, and Ph.D. degrees in History and met Pat, his wife of over 53 years. In 1962 Bob and Pat moved to Lafayette, where Bob joined the History Department at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL). He was a member of the USL faculty for 34 years, including service as the Dean of the Graduate School from 1972 to 1982. He was very engaged with the Our Lady of Wisdom community, participating in numerous Newman Foundation and other parish activities. He retired from USL in 1996. Bob loved sports and the outdoors. His children fondly remember fishing and hiking trips as well as summer vacations in the family's convertible camping van. While camping, Bob's children would eagerly listen to the bedtime fables he created for them. They had great fun accompanying him as he competed in recreational league softball games and his regular Sunday morning tennis matches. They absorbed and were entertained by both his enthusiasm for the games and his friendly competitiveness. He continued to enjoy tennis well into his seventies, an activity that fostered many long-standing friendships. He was an avid follower of professional tennis and the New York Yankees, and was a diehard fan of all UVa sports teams. He loved working in the yard around his home, planting many, many beautiful trees and shrubs as well as grapes and delicious annual crops of tomatoes and sweet corn. Bob's personality was a unique mix of intellectualism and child-like playfulness. He was an avid reader on topics from history to politics to religion. He was a stickler for details with a strong moral compass. He was not afraid to speak out against injustices and would defend his positions with facts and faultless logic. At the same time he was friendly, unassuming and was not too proud to act downright silly with his family and friends. Whenever he and his sister Marian got together their giggles were legendary and contagious. He maintained his youthful enthusiasm for so many things well into his latter years, from snow sledding to make-believe acting with his young grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Jefferson and Marian Jones. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Lanusse Jones, of Lafayette; his brother, Thomas Nelson Jones of Lynchburg, VA; his sister, Marian Jones Calder, of Waynesboro, VA; his four children: Beth Jones of Baton Rouge, Tom Jones and his wife Laurie Robinson Jones of Wilton, CT, Bob Jones (Jr.) and his wife Julia Martin Jones of Charlottesville, VA, and Tricia Jones of Baton Rouge; and six grand children: Emily, Cameron, Catie, Cary, Rachael, and Dustin. The family will hold a visitation at Martin and Castille funeral home on St. Landry St., Lafayette from 5-8 PM on Thursday April 24. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church in Lafayette at 3:30 PM on Friday April 25. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders or the Southern Poverty Law Center. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com. Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311.

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 23 to Apr. 25, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jones Family Psalm 46:1

April 29, 2014

Aunt Pat, Tricia, Bobby, Tommy, and Beth...We are so sorry for your loss! We have so many wonderful memories of our "favorite Uncle Bob" and his visits to Richmond! There were not many dull moments when the all Joneses came to stay! He had such a great sense of humor...always willing to participate in any crazy game we were playing. We know that he is truly in heaven with our growing number of angels. God Bless you all and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always! With Love from the Calders

John, Julie, Steve, Dawn, Mary Beth, Bob, Bink, David, Kate, Susan and Lee Calder

April 26, 2014

Bob enriched my life and the lives of thousands of other students he taught, touched and inspired. He broadened my perspective and provided me not only a stimulating academic experience but exposure to ideas and information that helped reshape my world view and influenced how I respond to people and situations in everyday life. A teacher cannot aspire to any greater accomplishment. Disarming with his subtle wit and charm, Bob was always the consummate gentleman—refined, intelligent and unassuming. He was an individual of the highest character and principle, yet always a tolerant, steadfast and approachable friend. Faithful and devoted to his family, his vocation and his moral vision, he serves as a role model of one who lived life well and to the fullest. I am grateful for having known him.

Stephen Bullock

April 26, 2014

I send my warm condolences and thoughts of love to the friends and family.

It is hard to go through this difficult time, but it's good to know that we keep in our heart all the joyous moments, love, and care that we share with our loved ones. Please continue to find consolation and solace in the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)

April 25, 2014

We will always remember with love how Uncle Bob teased, played and spoke with a kind word. He is and will remain one of our most favorite childhood memories. Praying for you all at this difficult time. Love, the "other" Jones cousins....Kit, Leigh, Carolyn & Tommy.

April 25, 2014

I want to express my sincere sympathies for your loss. Although I didn't know your father personally, I was moved by his outstanding life and moral values. Proverbs 16:31 relates, "Gray headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness." May your family find comfort in all the precious memories of your loved one.

Carol Jones

April 25, 2014

I was so very sorry to hear of Bob's death. He was an incredible man. I got to know him through tennis. He played at my home with my late husband, Johnny. I would often sit and visit with him. He was so knowledgeable yet very humble.

Pat Rabalais

April 25, 2014

Tricia,
So saddened to read the news of your Dad's death. It is my hope that the many wonderful memories you have of him will sustain you through these difficult days.

Mary Jo Jumonville Adams

April 25, 2014

what a great U.S.L. basketball fan and Prof. Bo Lamar

April 24, 2014

Dr. Jones taught the first Black History classes in 1968. I took all three semesters that were offered. He had a profound effect on my thinking, and my life. I offer prayers for his family. He was a good man.

Jim Vildibill

April 24, 2014

Dear Tricia, I was so sad to hear of your father's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Laurie Jankower James

Laurie Jankower James

April 24, 2014

My condolences to Bob's family in this time of sadness. He was a dedicated and caring faculty member and administrator.
It was pleasure to work with him in graduate matters at USL during the 70s.
Peace, Ed Dugas

April 24, 2014

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