Delbert Jones, Sr.

Delbert Jones Sr. was a hard-working man whose love for God guided his life and his love for his family. “If a man doesn’t work, a man doesn’t eat,” he would say.

He lived his life to its fullest and wanted to master whatever he chose to do from cooking tender, delicious meats, to traveling the world, to dancing the night away and earning the nickname Dancing Papa Jones. He was a faithful fan of his son’s band Final Mix.

He lived life on his terms and did things his way. Even in the end when he passed on the afternoon of September 15, 2020 surrounded by his family. He had achieved his goal of making it to 95 which he boasted about, plus being able to live out his life in his home.

Born on March 30, 1925, the last child of 13 children, along with his twin sister Delores to James Douglas and Lottie Mae Jones. He had a bond with his twin sister Delores Young who had a sweet spirit. She preceded him in death in 2017.

Delbert was called in to the US Army in 1943 to 1946 and served in the South Pacific. He was a corporal and received a medal for marksmanship. He later graduated from East High School after completing his military service, which is where he learned the construction trade.

He married Sadye Harris and from that union was born four sons and a daughter. They were members of Corinthian Bible Church, where he served faithfully for 88 years. He was proud of the fact that he oversaw and inspected the construction projects of the present and previous church buildings. Delbert was always helpful donating his carpentry skills throughout the years at his church. In addition, He served on the building committee, trustee board and senior usher board for many years.

In his career life, Delbert began working for 22 years at Newman Construction. However, the majority of his carpentry skills were honed while employed by the Des Moines Public Schools for 39 years. He was meticulous and would measure and measure until the measurement was exact.

Delbert had a spirit of giving. He always wanted to give you something whether it was candy, gum, a bag of popcorn, or a gift. He earned the nickname “Candyman”… you were going to get something!

At home Delbert was beloved and known as a strict disciplinarian who instilled a strong work ethic, the importance of an education, and a faith in God.

Delbert is survived by his four sons, Del “Saxman” (Rebecca), Dennis (Lori), Douglas (Jane), David (Nancy), all of Des Moines, and his daughter, DeLora (Michael) of New York. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Cindy (Mel), Tracie (Luther), David (Ketra), Daviere, Marques, Lee, Brandon, Annisa, Cole (Nicole), Briar (Matt), and Jared. He has eight great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends and fans of the Final Mix band.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Clementine Jones, Geraldine Draffen, Hubert Jones, Eujetta Fisher, Goldie Flipping, Lorraine Harris, Delores Young, and Nellie Morrow. When he was born into the family there were eight surviving siblings.

“Education and work is the most honest and best way of living. Everybody should take this opportunity seriously and don’t throw it away!”

Dad, you always said, “Ain’t nobody putting me in no rocking chair!” We love you, we miss you, and we wanted you to live your golden years on your terms. Praise God for a wonderful life lived! You worked hard to provide for our family. You were a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to four generations. Now, Dancing Papa Jones, you can dance your way into the Pearly Gates of Heaven and give your heavenly family a hug and a kiss for all of us. We will see you again. We’re trying not to think of you as gone, but just… gone on ahead.

A very special thank you to Willie and Willie Jr. “Patches” Weatherall.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. There will be a graveside committal service at Glendale Cemetery at a later date.

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