Rodney Carl "Rod" Jones

Rodney Carl Jones passed away in his sleep at The Waters of Batesville on October 11, 2025, after a short battle with glioblastoma. Rod was born December 9, 1947, in Gouverneur, NY to Doug Jones and Lillian (NEE: Cary) Boni; they preceded him in death. Upon graduating from high school in Edwards, NY, Rod joined the U.S. Air Force where he served proudly in Vietnam. After the completion of his decorated service, Rod attended SUNY Canton and graduated with honors. He then moved to Rochester, NY to work for Eastman Kodak Company. In a chance encounter he met his beloved wife, Carmen (NEE: Moenter). They were married on October 22, 1976, and she survives. Rod is also survived by his four children, Kelly (Eric) Blanken, Mindy Ison, Abby (Ben Blank) Jones, Mitch (Kim) Jones, three granddaughters, seven grandsons, and 2 great-grandsons. Also surviving are his sister Terry (Jim) Watson and his stepsister Janet Manning. In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by his stepfather Ralph Boni, brother Douglas Jones, and sister Mary Jo Jones. Rod enjoyed playing and watching sports. He played softball in his prime, excelled in bowling (as evidenced by his two perfect 300 games) and golfing. Rod could be found passionately watching his favorite teams on TV which included The New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Syracuse Orangemen. He sang with the St. Louis Catholic Church choir for many years and acted in several plays and musicals in Batesville and Greensburg. He was a social butterfly and never knew a stranger. You usually heard Rod before you saw him, especially his trademark whistle or belly laugh. Rod was an animal lover, a jack of all trades and a talented contractor and builder. He was the family grill master, even getting a write-up in The Indianapolis Star for his white BBQ grilled chicken. We will miss his traditional Thanksgiving dressing which he made for 45 years. Rod was the life of every party, always hamming it up with his special brand of comic relief. He will forever be adored by his loving family, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Rod was a member of St. Louis Church, the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m.at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Alan Hirt OFM officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church. The inurnment will be at St. Louis Cemetery, with military rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rod's memory to TheRayofHopeFoundation.com for brain tumor awareness and research, The Waters of Batesville activities fund, or Friends of Franklin County Indiana Animal Shelter.

Rodney Carl "Rod" Jones

December 9, 1947 - October 11, 2025