Keith Richard Jones

Keith Richard Jones passed away on September 12, 2012 at home with his loving family by his side. Keith was born November 22, 1930 in Kalamazoo, MI to Otis F. and Evelyn M. [Goosen] Jones. Keith spent his early years in Comstock, MI where he had many special memories. He was 10 years old when the family moved to Kalamazoo, where Keith's interests in sports accelerated, particularly in baseball. He played on many youth championship teams. When Keith entered high school at Kalamazoo Central, he was a member of the class of 1949 and was on teams that won state championships in football, baseball and basketball. His success in high school baseball led to him being offered a contract with the Detroit Tigers. He spent seven years playing on several teams in the Tigers' system. A typesetter by trade, Keith met his wife, the former Patricia A. Stacy, in 1956 who preceded him in death in 2008 after 52 years of marriage. Keith is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Stacy (Bill) Webster, Kathy (Jeff) Barney, and Kris (Rodger) Gibson. He also was blessed with five grandchildren: Bill (April) Webster, Jr., Matt (Ann) Webster, Collin and Madison Ahrens, and Kevin Gibson who he enjoyed following and supporting their many school and sporting activities. Keith also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Billy, Jack, Jude and Sam Webster. Keith is also survived by his sister Nancy Smith, two special sisters-in-law, Bonnie Stacy and Mary (Ron) Kussy, brother-in-law Ed (Nancy) Stacy, several nieces and nephews, and was preceded in death by his older brother Duane Jones. A family memorial ceremony will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.