BERNARD E. JONES
Bernard Eugene Jones passed away January 9th, 2022 at his home, surrounded by family. Bernie was born March 9, 1942 to Zelma May (Kester) and Daniel B Jones in Cambridge, Nebraska. Bernie enjoyed spending his childhood days outside fishing, hunting, and building forts along the Medicine Creek with friends Richard Taylor and Eric Eisenhart. The men have few childhood memories without one another, considered one another brothers, and remained friends for life. Bernie and his family were survivors of the 1947 flood.
In 1961 Bernie was married to Mary Lou (Stagemeyer) at St. Johns Catholic Church in Cambridge. He enjoyed spending time at the Stagemeyer family farm and Mary’s siblings quickly became his siblings. Bernie and Mary always wanted a large family and had 6 children together, Jeff, Pat, Mary Ann, Susan, Jeana, and Beth.
In 1965 he began working for Lester Johnson at the International Harvester Implement in Cambridge. During this time Bernie and Mary began building their family home east of Cambridge. Bernie and his father did much of the work. In December of 1971 the family was able to move in. He was an excellent gardener and together he and Mary grew much of the produce to feed their growing family.
In 1975 he became a partner in Watson and Mueller Implement to create Watson, Mueller, and Jones Implement in Arapahoe, NE. When CASE bought out International Harvester, Bernie decided to make a change. In March of 1986 Bernie and Mary bought a car dealership in Cambridge, NE. Being a smart business man, Bernie built Bernie Jones GMC to include sales, service, and auto body. In 2000 he retired. During his retirement he and Mary traveled to many places.
Bernie was an easy conversationalist and loved helping others. He coined himself as the “Piano Man” after carrying Mary’s keyboard to her many musical functions. They began attending the McCook Evangelical Free church and made many good friends.
Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Zelma and Daniel Jones. In-laws Emma and Emil Stagemeyer, Brother-in-law Merle and wife Verna Stagemeyer, Brother-in-law Larry Paisley, Sister-in-law Joyce and husband Myron Hilker, daughter Mary Ann Jones, grandson Aaron Jones, and great-granddaughter Scout Jones.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary Lou Jones. 5 children Jeff (Pam) Jones of Cambridge, Pat (Linda) Jones of Cambridge, Susan (Kurtis) Huxoll of Cambridge, Jeana (Chris) Kinley of Jacksonville FL, and Beth (Chris) Dorrell of Gretna. 11 Grandchildren Jessica Alexander, Evan Jones, Jake Jones, Danni Jones, Logan Huxoll, Breezy Johnson, Garrett Huxoll, Maddie Dorrell, Lauren Dorrell, and Reagan Kinley. As well as a growing brood of great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law Karen Paisley, Brother-in-law Pete (Daphna) Stagemeyer, and many nieces and nephews.
On February 18th, 2022 at 11:00 am graveside services will be held at Cambridge Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Donelan officiating. Lockenour-Jones entrusted with arrangements.
