Mr. Bruce Jones

Bruce Michael Jones, 72 entered eternal rest on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Kingswood Healthcare Center in Kansas City, MO.

Bruce was born into the marriage of Vallelio Lemmones Jones and Samuel (Mouse)Jones on September 28, 1952, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. He was the oldest child of Vallelio and the only son of Samuel.

Bruce was given the nickname of “Bobo” by his 1-year-old cousin, Sharon and was still referred to as “Bo” by many family members. Due to circumstances of the time, as a pre-teen, Bruce was blessed to acquire a second mother in his Aunt Pauline Binford, sister of his dad, who continued his upbringing as her additional son along with her biological sons, Nathaniel, and Dwayne Hervey.

Bruce was preceded in death by all three parents; Sam, Val and Pauline, Brother: Norman A. Henson, Sisters: Donna Jones Campbell, Phyllis E. Henson, and great-nephew, Marquan (Mar-Mar) Grace.

Bruce was educated in the Kansas City, MO public school system where he attended Stanford B. Ladd elementary and was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1969. He continued his education at Penn Valley Community College as an adult.

As a young man, Bruce was always impeccably dressed when stepping out. His clothing was put together from head to toe. He had a great sense of style. Bruce enjoyed having a good time and an occasional libation with friends and family but was quiet and low-key. Bruce enjoyed a wide genre of music; Jazz and Finger-poppin’. He would give his advice when asked on sports, finance, politics, and life. He was well-read and CNN was his favorite station.

Bruce was known to be a diligent employee at a small market on Main in Kansas City in his younger years and continued to follow this path as he became an employee of Merck Sharpe & Dohme, (later known as Merck & Co.), in Lenexa, KS. He was a loved and respected co-worker and friend for 35+ years.  In 1994, he moved with his job to the Atlanta, GA. area and resided in Duluth, GA. He continued with Merck until 2008 at which time the warehouse was bought out by UPS. His expertise was needed but Bruce refused to work for half the salary. He chose to retire in 2008 but continued to reside in Georgia.

Bruce made new friendships in Georgia and enjoyed taking out of town guests to his favorite place, Pappadeaux’s, to eat. He dined out with friends, Ralph, Robbie and Meshelle on a regular basis. He took daily walks in various malls in Atlanta.

Bruce returned to the Kansas City area after much urging by family members in 2017. He chose to reside in Overland Park, KS. He was known to have a daily walk at the mall as well as utilize his home exercise equipment. He also enjoyed eating at the local restaurants, although he was disappointed to find that Gates had discontinued his favorite sandwich, the Beef and ½. He really missed the cuisine in Atlanta.

Bruce always greeted his family members with a big smile, a hug and kiss. These things will be missed the most. Although Bruce had no biological children, he stepped up to fill-in in that capacity when needed. He was good to his family and just a good person.

Remembering his love and quiet demeanor forever will be his sister: Paula Rector-Davis (Calvin), brother/ cousins: Nathanial R. Hervey (Debbie), Dwayne D. Hervey (Debbie), Aunts: Doris Gaston, Devera Lemmones, stepdaughter: Danita Watley, Nephew: Shannon Campbell Jr., Nieces: LaSha Heath, Jacquelyn Hardy (Michael), Tiffany Brown (Craig), great nieces and nephews, and an abundance of cousins and friends.     

Written on a notepad found in his apartment was this: KEEP CALM And CARRY ON

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, 11am at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Private Disposition. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Service will be live stream at mtcsunset.com

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