Richard Wayne"Rick" Jones, Jr.

Richard Wayne "Rick" Jones, Jr., of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012 at the age of 59, at Stormont-Vail Hospital due to brain cancer. He was born on November 5, 1953 in Cherry Point, North Carolina, the son of Richard Sr. and Mabel "Jiggs" Jones.

Rick married Becky Ann Carr on November 19, 1983. During their marriage they lived in Corsicana and Lancaster, Texas, Omaha, Nebraska, Bedford, Virginia, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Trenton, Missouri and Topeka, Kansas. Rick received his microbiology degree from Memphis University, Memphis, Tennessee in 1977. He was currently working on his master's degree through Kansas State University while working with research and development of pet food for Hills Pet Nutrition.

Rick was active in his church, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Topeka, serving as an usher and greeter. He also had other services that he gave of his time and talents when needed.

During football season you would find him with the Men's fellowship group on Monday evenings watching football and rooting for his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed watching the Alabama Crimson Tide.

He was quick to tease and had a great sense of humor, even when he wasn't feeling well. He was very gracious and gentle, which earned him the nickname "gentle giant" from the medical staff who cared for him during his illness.

Rick is survived by his wife, Becky, his son, Wayne of Columbia, MO, a brother, Robert Sr. (Marcia), Mother-in-law, Hazel Carr, Blaine, MN, three brothers-in-law, Harold Carr, Jr. (June), North Branch, MN, Raleigh Carr, Pensacola, FL, James Carr (Linda), Sauk Rapids, MN, two uncles, two aunts, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and hundreds of wonderful friends all over the country.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 30 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in his name to the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

Rick's favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace" and he felt truly blessed to be a believer in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. In the book Ecclesiastes it says, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under Heaven…a time to be born and a time to die." He lived his life learning, growing and experiencing the love of God and left this earth with peace in his heart.