Alan Jones

FRANKLIN– Alan B. Jones, age 87, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his home in Franklin.  

He was born in Franklin on July 16, 1935 to the late Edward and Ruth (Austin) Jones.

Alan grew up in Franklin on his family’s farm, attended school at the schoolhouse in East Franklin, joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18 (1953-1957) and then joined the Vermont Air National Guard (158fw Green Mountain Boys). He retired in 1990 as a Master Sargent and his military career consisted of Avionic System Technician (flight control), working on jet aircrafts of many makes and models.  He also was part of a special group of men that went to Utah to accept the very first F-16 fighter jets that came to Vermont to replace the aging F-4 (Phantoms). He stood on the flight line at a ceremony to present the F-16s to former Governor Madeline Kunin. His military career took him all over the world including places like Alaska, Japan and Korea.  He enjoyed attending the functions and celebrations with many friends and co-workers at the Vermont Air National Guard Base. He was also a lifetime member of The American Legion and a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served on the Board as a Trustee.

He married Faith Dukett in the early 1980’s and the two joined families in Franklin. Together they traveled to many places including a memorable cruise to Alaska and trips to North Carolina & Florida to visit family. Alan loved his family and enjoyed attending his children’s events. He also loved snowmobiling, deer hunting, 4-wheeling, riding his RZR side-by-side (with best friend Mitch Hakey), dancing (especially country music), camping, and sugaring on his own property “Shingle Hill Farm” with great friends/partners Dale Elwood and Charles Magnant. All things he did surrounded by countless friends. Throughout his travels, Alan’s favorite place still remained on his property of over 100 acres of land/woods of which he was very proud.

He is survived by his children, Brenda & Timothy Gray of Duxbury, Rick Jones & Debra McMahon (Alan’s Care Giver) of Franklin, Cheryl & Jeff Vance of Georgia, and David Jones of Rochester, NY.; the mother of his children, Ruby  Jones of St. Albans, step-daughter, Lydia Rivera of Holly Hill, FL; 5 grandchildren, Chad Vance & Kaleigh Ryea, Steven Vance & Katrina Millar , Jada & Ashleigh Jones, and Samantha & Zebulon Benoit ; step-grandchildren, Jennifer & Jesse Wheaton, and Jimmy & Christa Rivera; great granddaughter, Zakyia Vance; step-great grandchildren, Mia &John Wheaton, Trey, Alexandria Nicole, Atticus, Cole, Cloie & Karli Rivera; and many friends that will miss him dearly. Besides his parents, Alan was predeceased by his wife Faith Jones; step-grandsons, Antonio and Danny Rivera; and his four-legged companions, Molly& Zoey.

Family and friends are invited to Alan’s life celebration on Thursday, February 16, 2023 to include visitation from 2-3:00PM with a memorial service to follow at 3:00PM at The Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT 05488. Interment will take place Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 1:00PM in the East Franklin Cemetery, 4610 Lake Rd, Franklin, VT 05457.

For those who wish contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 255 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com