Dallas Jones, 78, "The Preacher"

He was born December 6, 1927 in Erose, Kentucky. He has been a resident of Lorain since 1947.

Dallas worked for the railroad in Indiana, the Heinz Corp. in Michigan, and retired from the US Steel Mill in Lorain after thirty-nine years of service in 1986 as a tow truck operator. He was known as “The Preacher” by his co-workers. He was a founding member of Victory Baptist Temple in Elyria in 1963 and served as Deacon and usher for many years. Dallas was a Christian who enjoyed spreading the Word of God and watching the church grow. He had a C.C. Evangelism ministry where his handle was “Big D”. His hobbies included gardening, carpentry work, video taping family and church functions, spending time with his family, and telling stories of his childhood memories.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years Doris June Jones (nee: Taylor); his sons Daniel Jones of Huron, David Jones and Dallas Jones, II, both of Lorain; his daughters Kathryn DeBerry, Linda Squires, and Jean Rivera, all of Wakeman; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brothers Lamon Jones and Kentucky, Junior Jones, Roy Jones, Jerry Jones, and Everett Jones, all of Lorain; his sisters Marie Stewart and Phyllis Jones, both of Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Donald Jones in 1955; by his parents Isaac and Lena (nee: Slusher) Jones; and by his brothers Merle Jones.

Friends may call Monday, April 24, 2006, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. from Victory Baptist Temple; 45155 Telegraph Rd., Elyria. The Rev. Jeffrey Smale of Columbus, OH will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Victory Baptist Temple; 45155 Telegraph Rd., Elyria 44035.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.