Dean "Paps" Richard Jones, 86, husband of Melissa Giles Jones, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024. Born September 11, 1937 in Otho, IA, he was the son of the late William and Helen Porter Jones.

A graduate of San Diego State University, with three different degrees, he was a teacher in the San Diego City Schools as a photographer, teaching drafting and overseeing the yearbook. After his retirement, he and his wife, Melissa, moved to Kentucky where they had a small farm with draft horses and miniature donkeys. In addition to the farm, he developed Champion Business Center, Phase 1 & 2 of White Oak Village, Canewood Business Center in addition to an abundance of homes. A Navy veteran, Dean served as a combat photographer while deployed to the Philippines. Dean never met a stranger, was very generous, loved time with his family and always enjoyed a bowl of popcorn or ice cream to wind down the day.

In addition to his wife of 36 years, he is survived by his children, Dean "Jett" Williams Jones, Louisville, Christine "Gal" Probett, San Diego, CA, and Marshall "Rocky" Lee (Carla) Jones, Louisville; brothers, Jerry (Melody) Jones and Lee Jones; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Haines and brother, Dave Jones.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.