Richard A. Jones of Dagsboro, DE passed away unexpectedly on his father-in-law's farm Monday March 10th, 2025, at the age of 66. He was a loving husband, dad, pop pop, brother, and friend.

Affectionally known as "Smoke" since high school. He was born to the late Edward and Millie (Hudson) Jones of Millsboro, DE. Smoke graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1976. He also studied carpentry at Vo-Tech. After high school Smoke married his high school sweetheart Donna in 1978. He then started his career as an apprentice carpenter and then went on to drive a dump truck for Delmarva Power. He then joined his dad and brother-in-law Mike at Thoro-Goods Concrete driving a concrete mixer truck where he made many friendships. In 1986 he joined Indian River School District as a custodian. He worked at several schools during his 34-year tenure, with his last ten years spent as chief custodian at Millsboro Middle School, where he was loved and cherished by staff and students. Retiring in 2020 allowed him to provide guidance, support, and lots of laughs to his girls and grandkids.

Smoke enjoyed trips with his family and friends to many different dirt tracks, the Outer Banks North Carolina and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. He had a love for dirt track racing, hunting, fishing, and going to Wilson's Auction. He was an avid Harry Gant fan attending many NASCAR races in Dover with his brother-in-law JL Hummer. He had a passion for the Washington Redskins and Donald Trump. Smoke was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Delaware Mobile Surf-Fisherman. Above all he lived for his grandkids loving, supporting, and encouraging them every day.

Survived by his loving wife Donna Hitchens Jones of 46 years, his two daughters Kristina (Jones) Messick and her husband GG and Jessica (Jones) Steele and her husband John. His three wonderful grandkids; Delana Messick, Dakota Dunston, and Colton Simpson; a sister Gail and her husband Michael Morris; brother Dean and his wife Lesia; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Sunday March 23, 2025, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 41 Thatcher Street, Frankford, DE 19945, where friends and family may call after 12 noon. Interment will follow at Carey's Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Smoke's name to your local Volunteer Fire Company/Ambulance service.