David Wayne Jones

David Wayne Jones, 67, of Carthage, passed away Thursday August 28 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin from ongoing complications from a stroke that occurred in January. He was born December 15, 1957, in Bartlesville, OK to H.W. “Bill” and Ruth (Boyd) Jones. His early years were spent moving around Oklahoma due to his father’s job, with Otasco, ending in Ada, OK. In 1966 the family moved to Carthage, MO where he attended Carthage schools, starting at Mark Twain Elementary, graduating High School in 1976.

David worked many jobs in his lifetime. Beginning in high school he worked at Howard Machine Shop. He then went to Otasco to work for his dad who was the manager. Following this the family operated Jonesy’s Bar in Carthage for 5 years. They then bought and ran Alamo Package Liquor Store until its closure. From there he went to Pipe Systems Inc. and Industrial Pipe & Supply. He was currently employed at Casey’s where he made many pizzas for the community.

He was a lifetime member in many clubs, groups, and organizations. The first one he joined was Carthage Masonic Lodge #197 in 1983, he served as Worshipful Master 5 times, tying only one other member with that honor. He then joined Scottish Rite, York Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine and Carthage Shrine Club. Here he served as Rajah. In 1985 he co-founded Carthage Shrine Burn Crew with his dad and several friends. It was this club that bought several retired fire trucks and restored them to drive in many parades. HIs favorite parade story to tell was the parade in Marshfield, MO in 1991 where he gave a high five to then President George H.W. Bush! He was also a member for several years at the Joplin Elks Lodge and the Carthage VFW Men’s Auxiliary, where he ran Bingo on Friday nights.

He also organized or volunteered for many community service projects. From cleaning the fishpond and fountain and maintaining the Veterans memorial both at Central Park to painting and planting flowers at local nursing homes. He also helped put out flags for veterans at local Cemeteries for Memorial Day and Labor Day and wreaths at Christmas time.

He also volunteered at the veterans Home in Mt. Vernon. His most heartfelt thing he did was making sure to honor the children that had been patients at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He did this by making sure they were invited to and then recognized at the Carthage Shrine Club’s Annual Truck and Tractor Pull.

Though his life he carried many titles; David, Dave, Davey, Jonsey, Otis, son, brother, friend, Master, Rajah, husband, and dad. But the biggest promotion and by far his most favorite title he carried was Papa. David was united in marriage to Michele Jacques on May 22, 1983, in Carthage; she survives. Other survivors include two daughters Heather Spain and her husband Robert “Brett” of Carthage and Amber Jones of Carthage. Three beloved grandchildren, Breeanna Spain, Isaac Spain, and William Spain. Grand-dogs Sophie, Gunner, and Gecko Cleo. Brother, Greg Jones and his wife Sharon of Joplin, Brother-in-Law Kevin Enderle, Carthage, Sister-in-Law Leslie Ramirez of California. Father and Mother-in-law Dennis and Phyllis Jacques, Carthage. Nieces and Nephews Leslie Leake and Jeffery, Joplin. Michael Enderle and Amy, Carthage, Justin Enderle and Karli, Peoria, Illinois. Whitney Strickland and Cannon, Bella Vista AR, Ryan Ramirez and Misty Alonzo, Joplin. Great Nieces and Nephews, Danielle Leake, Tyler Leake, Jake Enderle, Harley Enderle, Amara Alonzo, Benjamin Enderle, Thomas Enderle, Cash Strickland, and Cooper Strickland. Numerous cousins, other family members, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Jeanne Enderle, Sisters-in-law Kimberly Jacques, and Robin Hale. Nephews Philip Jones and Bradley Jones. Services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1 PM visitation with a Memorial Service following at 3 PM at the Carthage Masonic Lodge. In lieu of flowers family asks for donations to be made to Shriner’s Hospital Saint Louis and Carthage Masonic Lodge.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO