Gerald Wayne Jones

Gerald Wayne Jones, 85, of Ottumwa, Ia, formerly of Carthage, passed away at 6:13 PM, Monday, July 20,2026, at his home.

Gerald was born on October 30, 1940, the son of Lawrence Ray and Doris Elaine (Webb) Jones in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1959 and then attended Gem City Business College where he received his business degree. On June 24,1960, he was united in marriage to Patricia Swartz at the Presbyterian Church in Carthage. This union lasted 66 years. Gerald farmed for many years, then drove a fuel truck for Wright Petroleum and later FS for 25 years, retiring in 2008. He also had his real-estate license and sold real estate for Sharpe Reality. Gerald was a member of the Bentley saddle club, Hancock County Pork producers, was a 4H leader for 20 years and coached youth fast pitch softball for 15 years. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Macomb. His favorite past time was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Debbie (Paul) Tanksley of Ottumwa, Ia; two daughters-in-law, Tina Jones of Carthage and Liv Jones of San Antonio, Tx; seven grandchildren, Kalean (Christian) Schrock, Isaac (Tiffany) Tanksley, Caleb Tanksley, Jacob (Rebekah) Tanksley, Cassie (Joe) Shoemaker, Brittany (Kody) Horn, and Leanne Jones; twelve great grandchildren with two more on the way, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gerald was preceded in death by; his parents and two sons, Doug and Darrin.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM at the funeral home in Carthage. Memorials may be made to Pat Jones, for the great-grandkid’s education fund. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the memorial. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is handling arrangements.