Calvin Vinson Jones

Calvin Vinson Jones, 100, of Liberty, Missouri, formerly of Chillicothe and Linneus, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at Our Lady of Mercy Country
Home in Liberty, Missouri. Calvin was born at home on November 9, 1925, in Hale, Missouri, near Bedford, to Noel Mack and Florence Georganna (Gish) Jones. In 1933, after a devastating fire and the hardships of the Great Depression, the family moved to Linneus, Missouri, where Calvin spent his boyhood years. By age ten, he was already helping support the
family—milking cows and delivering milk before and after school.

He graduated from Linneus High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Naval Corps during World War II, serving as a Pharmacist’s Mate, 3rd Class, at the San Diego Naval Hospital. It was there he met the love of his life, Rita Theresa (Terry) Piette. They were married during his service, and in 1946, following his discharge, the couple returned to Linneus where Calvin joined his father in the family business, Jones Transfer and Produce which provided essential services to their community—milling grain, delivering coal, ice, propane, and water, and transporting livestock to markets in St. Joseph and Kansas City. Later, his brother George Bennet (GB) joined the business, and together they built the wellknown Quonset hut at the intersection of Highway 5 and County Road P. Calvin left the business in 1961 after being appointed U.S. Postmaster of Linneus, a role he faithfully served until retirement. He and Rita later moved to Chillicothe, Missouri.

Calvin’s true legacy was defined by his lifelong devotion to service, faith, and community. A modest man, he quietly performed countless acts of kindness—many known only to God. In Linneus, he served his community as a volunteer fireman, school board member, ward councilman, Old Settlers co-chairperson, 4H leader, and leader within the Linneus Historical Museum and Linn County Historical Society. He served as Commander of the local American Legion, team leader to the REC program, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. In retirement, Calvin continued to give generously of his time. He dedicated many hours to Habitat for Humanity projects in Chillicothe, volunteered with RSVP delivering
medications and groceries, assisted seniors with doctor appointments, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He helped spearhead the creation of the
city’s croquet court, where he and Rita enjoyed many tournaments. Calvin also counseled youth on probation and, alongside Rita, worked tirelessly with the PATCH program, transporting children across Missouri to visit their mothers at the Chillicothe Correctional Center—helping families stay connected during difficult times. A talented and passionate woodworker, Calvin restored numerous antiques and crafted hundreds of handmade wooden keepsakes, all lovingly given to family, friends, and charitable organizations.

Calvin is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his children, Carolyn Bjornson and husband Hal of Cincinnati, OH, Cathy Jones and husband David of Lago Vista, TX, Jim Jones and wife Judy of Savannah, MO, Janie DesLauriers and husband Darwin of Clark, SD, Paul Jones and wife Kelly of Rogersville, MO, and David Jones and wife Tammy of Kearney, MO.
He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita Theresa;
his parents, Noel Mack and Florence Georganna Jones; his brother, George Bennet; and his sister, Helen McClanahan.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 309 S Stewart Rd. Liberty, MO, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m, with a visitation at 10:15 a.m. An informal celebration of life will be held at St. James Catholic Church Parish Hall, Liberty, Missouri on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at St. Columban Catholic Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow at Bishop Hogan School, located across from the church. All are invited to attend. Memorials may be made to Food for the Poor or the St. Columban Catholic Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be shared at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.