Desmond A. "Des" Jones

Desmond A. “Des” Jones

North Sherman Lake

Augusta, MI

Desmond A. Jones died on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at home with family by his side at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn in 2018 and his son Gary in 2025. He is survived by his son Mike (Sharon) Jones of Delton; and daughter Kristin (Ted) Jenkins of Battle Creek. His grandchildren include Andrew (Bridget) Olsen; Abby Olsen (Steve Nemeth); Nick Jones; Bethany (Mike) Christiansen and Ean (Jonathan) Fulks. Great-grandchildren include Adriana, Alexander, Theresa and Sullivan. We are truly grateful to his nephew, Dr. Andrew Gordon, for his kindness and honesty.

Des was born in Detroit on October 11, 1928. His parents, William and Victoria Jones (and siblings Ellen and Frank) immigrated from England in 1926. Des graduated from Rochester High School and then went on to Western Michigan University. While attending WMU as an engineering student, he met his wife, Marilyn. In 1950, they were married in the old St. Augustine Church in Kalamazoo. They celebrated 68 years together until her death in 2018.

Des was a Scoutmaster with Troop 97 at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Des enjoyed the outdoors and teaching his Eagle Scout sons and other young men about the necessary outdoor life skills for survival. Camp T. Ben Johnston was the preferred camping location (now the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center).

In 1957, his career at the Kellogg Company started in Battle Creek. By the early 1960s, he was traveling for the Kellogg Company (and subsidiaries) either building or renovating Kellogg Company facilities all over the world including: Omaha, Nebraska; Takasaki, Japan; San Leandro, California; Woburn, Massachusetts; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Toronto, Canada; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Rossville, Tennessee and San Jose, California. He retired in 1990 and bought a hardwoods tree farm in Augusta, Michigan…Centennial Acres Tree Farm.

Des was known for hosting several field days at his tree farm. Des and Marilyn were “Michigan Tree Farmers of the Year” with the Tree Farm System. Des was also a long-time President of the Michigan Chapter of the Walnut Council. He served on several Boards and Committees within these organizations and met hundreds of lifelong friends who had the same interests.

As an active member of the Tree Farm System, he was very involved on their National Public Affairs Committee which took them to several meetings throughout the United States advocating with others for sustainable forestry. Des was also a member of the Michigan Forest Association.

Throughout the years, Des and Marilyn were members at St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta. Proudly, Des was a lifelong member of the Elks Club.

At age 70, Des decided to build their dream home…29 inches away from their current home on Sherman Lake (they did not want to lose the view of the lake). This became a family project and may have been his favorite construction project of all time.

He truly was one of the best from the “Greatest Generation”.

A private graveside service has been held. A Celebration of Life (lunch and program) will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, starting at noon in the Kellogg Hall at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, 6225 N. 39th Street, Augusta, Michigan. This will be an event with storytelling, humor and great food. Casual attire is preferred.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, 6225 N 39th Street, Augusta, Michigan 49012.

The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland assisted Des’ family with his arrangements. Personal messages and/or

favorite memories of Des may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.