Russell W. Jones, Sr.

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On Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Russell W. Jones, Sr., loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 90. Russell was born on September 6, 1929 in Kansas City, KS. He served in the Army in Korea, earning a purple heart. Russell then attended the University of Kansas in the early 50’s and began to build homes in Lawrence at that time. He went on to successfully build hundreds of homes and apartments, retiring in the mid 80’s.

Russell married Diane Street and they had four children. They later divorced. He then met his longtime companion, Sara Schlappi and they traveled the globe together. Russell was quite the adventurer who enjoyed flying his own airplanes. At one point, he was the longest continuous dues paying member of the Lawrence Country Club where he loved to play golf and cards.

Russell was preceded in death by Sara and he leaves behind his four children: Russell Jr., Timothy, Jodi and Rebecca. Russell also leaves behind five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

12 Condolences

  1. James F. Bresnahan on September 11, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    So, sorry for your loss. I assume his ashes will be scattered alongside Sara’s.



  2. Denise Ellena Berland on September 11, 2019 at 5:46 pm

    Dear Jodi, Becky, Tim and Rusty,
    I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have many fond and hilarious memories of your (and my) Dad’s antics. And I can’t go to a Lawrence Band Concert without thinking of he and Sara. He will be greatly missed. Lots of love to your family.



  3. Steven L. George on September 11, 2019 at 8:22 pm

    Russell was a great guy. So sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.



  4. Rick Frydman on September 11, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    Much love to Rusty and the Jones family. I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing.



  5. Tracy Dethloff and family on September 12, 2019 at 4:39 am

    Sorry for your loss Rusty, Tim, Becky, and Jodi. Rusty you were my first friend when I moved to Lawrence and will never forget that.



  6. Trish Finch on September 12, 2019 at 8:19 am

    What a great man .. my friend and my Boss.. will miss you Trish Cronemeyer



  7. Brian and Ginny Kubota on September 12, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    Brian and I are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. We missed having him for a neighbor after he moved. It was fun when we used to go to dinner with Sarah, Russ and the Ellenas. Love and prayers for your family.



  8. Cindy McNicoll on September 12, 2019 at 8:05 pm

    Rusty…. your dad was such a hoot.
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    There’s days I miss my old town…our parents knew had to have a good time ❤



  9. Jo-Ann Jones on September 14, 2019 at 7:26 pm

    Sorry for the loss. He was great father-in-law with an awesome sense of humor



  10. Claudette Ross on September 15, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    I remember Mr Jones from the beginnings of his building career. He and his wife, Diane had a beautiful home, which he built. Their 4 beautiful children were babies and toddles. I was their babysitter, at that time. He was a great provider and family man. May God bless him with peace and eternal rest. God Bless. Claudette Ross



  11. Morris Kay on September 16, 2019 at 6:57 am

    Russell was a special person, a special friend who enjoyed every day along with the people around him. He loved his family and his friends.



  12. Trae and Melissa Rickford on January 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    We lived next to Russ while at Princeton Place. He was a great neighbor for us then newlyweds. Even after we moved we would always look for his Cadillac cruising down Princeton Blvd and Lawrence Ave. We were telling our girls about him and decided to look him up. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy!



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