Kenneth Lavern Jones
Kenneth Lavern Jones, age 105, of Shelbina, MO, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Baptist Homes of Shelbina Senior Center in Shelbina, MO.
Kenneth was born May 6, 1921 in rural Bethel, MO, the son of Arthur Burk and Maggie (McCue) Jones. He was united in marriage to Frances Margaret “Marge” Magruder on September 17, 1944 in Corning, AR. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2006.
He is survived by his nephew, Steve Magruder of Springfield, MO; niece, Lynn Hart (Dennis) of Tennessee; grand nephews, Mason Magruder and Gregory Hart; grand niece, Rachel Bledsoe; and many special friends, including Kerry and Kathy Lackey.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maggie; and one sister, Isabelle Jones.
Kenneth was raised in the Bethel area. After graduating Bethel High School, he went to work for Curtis Wright and then worked and retired from McDonald Douglas/Boeing after 40 years of employment. During his time at McDonald Douglas, Kenneth earned his degree in Electrical Engineering at St. Louis University. While working, he was assigned in the experimental aircraft division, where he traveled to Germany, Iran, and England. He also worked with the Mercury Space Program, and helped a small part in the Manhattan Project. During World War II, he traveled overseas to North Africa, England, and France to air bases as a mechanic and worked on several planes.
Kenneth enjoyed visiting daily with friends at the Shelby County Senior Center and attending the Shelby County Old Threshers each year. He was an avid card player and enjoyed playing Pinochle and Pitch. In his earlier years, he and Marge loved to travel across the country on their motorcycle. He loved music and especially enjoyed playing guitar. At one time, he played guitar in a band. Kenneth was considered a “jack of all trades” and used his mechanical skills to work on appliances and other gadgets. Most of all, he loved his family and was always willing to help others.
Funeral service will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, MO. A visitation will precede the service from 10 am to 12 pm. Burial will follow funeral service in the Shelbina Cemetery in Shelbina, MO. Memorials may be made to the Shelby County Senior Center or the Shelby County Old Threshers.
