Dale Estel Jones

Dale Estel Jones born a Valentine’s Day baby on February 14, 1941 to Burton and Elsie (Ackerman) Jones in Bowling Green, Ohio, was called home, holding his granddaughter’s hand on December 22, 2024. Prior to his passing, family and friends were able to give living eulogies to pay tribute to the incredible man he was. Shortly after his passing, his beloved dog Regis, was able to visit him in the hospital for one last goodbye.

After being born at home just outside of Bowling Green, Ohio, Dale grew up in Kentucky, having countless adventures, while his father worked in the coal industry. When he was of high school age his family returned to the Bowling Green area. Dale met his beloved late wife Jacqueline Joan (June) Jones in high school and for the remainder of his life talked about that first day he met her as a day he would never forget. He saved all of his lunch money to buy her a beautiful engagement ring. They were sweethearts, married in 1962, and shortly after welcomed their surprise twins Trudy Sue Jones-Shirey and Trish Marie (Jones) Saunders. As time went on, they wanted to continue to grow their family and adopted Carl Jones and Tabitha Jones. Their love was special and timeless. They and their growing family spent countless summers, enjoying their cottage at Clark Lake, Michigan. He was an incredible father to his children, and they will treasure so many wonderful memories about him, including his jokes, pranks and the hilarious stories about them learning to drive with him in the car. 

As their family grew, they welcomed a daughter-in-law, Jane Jones and grandsons Austin (Kendra) Jones and Ryan Jones. As well as, son-in-laws, Jerry Saunders, Robert Shirey, and Kevin Vollmar. From those relationships, they were blessed with grandchildren, Suzanne Saunders-O’Herron (Daniel), Jacob Shirey, Sibly Saunders, Evan Vollmar (Rachel), and Chyanne Richmond, as well as, many bonus grandchildren from the extending relationships. His grandchildren and so many others knew him as Poppy. Instead of retiring early, Dale spent his later years raising his two granddaughters, Suzanne and Sibly, dedicating his time and energy to creating a life filled with love and unforgettable experiences. From attending horse shows to exploring the outdoors, day tripping to new places, and finding joy in every adventure, Dale ensured their lives were rich with memories. His selflessness and devotion were gifts that shaped their lives and left an unforgettable mark on their hearts.

It was when Dale became a great-grandfather he truly shined and embraced his great-grandchildren with the deepest of love. He had a tremendously close relationship with his great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nevaeh, and Eyler, and was known as their Popsicle Poppy because every time they would visit his house he would gift them popsicles. Dale’s generosity extended far beyond popsicles—he shared his lifelong passion for horses with his family, supporting Suzi, Sibly, and now Nevaeh in their 4-H and horse showing adventures. Having purchased his first horse as a young teen, Dale’s heart swelled with pride as he witnessed a fourth generation of horse enthusiasts. Watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ride and carry on the love for equines that he and Jackie cherished brought him immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment. He was also very close with his grandson-in-law, Daniel O’Herron, whom he dedicated himself to mentoring to help unlock his hidden potential, as he did for so many, and spending special moments laughing and joking, especially about their shopping sprees at Harbor Freight.

Dale was a family man and those who were blessed to be a part of his family were deeply loved by him. Dale loved his siblings, in-laws, and maintained a special relationship with his older brother Johnny and sister-in-law Charlene Jones throughout his life. From his lengthy list of nieces and nephews, and the “good ol’ Doren boys,” and “June kids,” to many special friends including Andre and Randi Young, TJ Burkheart, and so many more, Dale loved to make people feel special and in good spirits every time he spent time with them.

After the passing of his late wife Jackie, Dale was blessed with a second opportunity for love with his beloved, special girlfriend Jean Harrison. They spent nearly 13 years together, adventuring, exploring and checking off their bucket lists together. Their connection was beautiful to witness. Jean was able to be by Dale’s side in his remaining days, sharing her love for him.

Dale was a master Tool & Die Maker and spent more than 60 years in the industry. The pathway Dale embarked on to become a tool & die maker included not only working full time while raising kids and taking care of the farm, but also taking night classes. He began his work career at Johns Manville and then worked at Midwest Stamping where he worked his way up to Plant Manager in his early 20s. From there, he opened Centaur Tool & Die, and eventually founded his lifelong dream, D. Jones Tool & Die. Dale’s contribution to the machining world was profound and he spent the entirety of his life becoming a Master Tool & Die Maker. He even had to receive special government clearance for projects he worked on, and created hundreds of inventions we encouraged him to patent.

For 60 remarkable years, Dale devoted himself to the art of tool and die making, a craft that demands precision, creativity, and unwavering dedication. His hands were not just skilled; they were gifted, shaping tools and molds with a mastery that few could match. The lives he touched in his lengthy career only further highlight the man he was—a man devoted to mentoring, leading, and imparting knowledge to others. He created special relationships with people of all ages and walks of life. Dale’s work was a reflection of his character—strong, reliable, and built to last. He approached every project with meticulous care, turning raw materials into functional works of art. His craftsmanship was more than a profession; it was a legacy of innovation and excellence that set a standard for everyone around him. He still worked almost 50 hours a week at 83 years old.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, most of his siblings and wife, Jackie. He is survived by his beloved daughters Trish & Trudy, son Carl, daughter Tabitha, his grandchildren, great grand children, brother Walter (Charlene) Jones, sister Marylene (Norm) LeFurgy, brother-in-law Ron (Beth) June, nieces, nephews, so many special friends, and long time girlfriend Jean Harrison. He leaves behind his beloved companion of nearly 13 years, his Border Collie, Regis

Dale was more than a man; he was a force of nature—a true original. Adventurous and otherworldly, he brought magic to everyday life with his storytelling skills and kindness. With hands that could build anything and a mind that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe, Dale inspired everyone lucky enough to know him. He was known for his big hands and kind heart; a man who respected everyone not for how they looked, but for who they were. He broke down barriers of racism, discrimination and promoted belonging long before it was common practice.

His sense of humor was unparalleled, the kind of quick wit and sharp intelligence that could rival even the most famous comedians. He had a way of making people laugh until their sides hurt, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary with just a few words.

To know Dale was to witness inspiration in action, a man whose legacy of adventure, creativity, and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him. In every life he touched and every memory he created, Dale leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and an enduring reminder that a life well-lived is the greatest gift of all.

As Dale would say in his humurous way, "I worked. I reproduced- which was a moment of pleasure for a lifetime of pain. I did some things. The end."

Friends and family will be welcomed on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Deck Hanneman funeral home in Bowling Green, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, followed by a service, burial and luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dale Jones Tool & Die Certificate Memorial Scholarship.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com

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