Lonnie Con Jones

 Lonnie Con Jones, July 12th 1947 - Feb 1st 2025Born in Carrollton KY, Lonnie is preceded in death by his father William Carroll Jones, mother Lillian Hunter Warfield, sister Vonda Jones McGuire; in addition to his half-brother Howard Wesley Jones and half-sister Dale Jones Stack. He is survived by his twin brother Larry Jones (wife Ellen), three children Hallie DeCatherine Jones Muldoon (husband Ian), Micah Christopher Jones and Miriam Robyn Jones, and granddaughter Lux DeCatherine Jones Muldoon. He spent the last 20 years of his life in Pendleton Kentucky with and is survived by his loving partner Lori Bentley, son Josh Bentley (Autumn) and their two grandsons, Roman Bentley and Jude Bentley. Also mourning this loss are his nephews Bryan McGuire (Amanda), Matthew Jones (Amber), Patrick Jones (Fumiko), Jeff McGuire, Michael McGuire (Jennifer) and great nieces and nephews Connor McGuire, Trent McGuire (Ana), Elijah McGuire, Bailey McGuire, Aiko Jones, Olivia McGuire, Danavan McGuire and Tatum McGuire.

 Lonnie was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Education. He was a cadet in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) unit and belonged to the prestigious National Society of Preshing Rifles which is the oldest military-oriented honorary fraternity for college-level student in the United States. During this time, he was an active member of the drill team platoon, showcasing routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. Upon graduating, he entered the United States Army Reserve as a 2nd Lieutenant commissioned officer and was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia for six months followed by a reassignment to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Lonnie then entered the US Army Reserves. Upon fulfilling his duty, he left the reserves ranking as a Captain. 

 Lonnie was an educator for 39 years, serving as a teacher, guidance counselor, administrator and basketball coach. He worked for several years in the Princeton City School District in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1978, he was offered a position with the Carroll County Public Schools as a Guidance Counselor at the middle school. He returned to EKU to earn his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology 1976 to become a Guidance Counselor, and later a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville in Counseling and Psychology. He continued working as a Guidance counselor after "retiring" in Vincennes, Indiana and Owen County Kentucky for several years. 

 His longest tenure was at the Carroll County middle school where he emerged as a leader through his dual role as a counselor and assistant principal. He coached boys middle school and varsity varsity basketball, initiated the start of the girls basketball program (little league thru high school) and served as the head coach for girls varsity basketball for many years. Lonnie was deeply committed to education, leadership and achievement. He impacted the lives of thousands of children and families, encouraging kids to strive for excellence in academics and sports. Lonnie connected with students on an emotional level, inspiring them to cultivate big dreams and strive for higher education, both college-bound pathways and vocational skills training. He saw potential in everyone, even if they couldn't see it in themselves.

 Lonnie was an avid fisherman, holding the weight record for the Kentucky Derby largemouth bass fishing tournament in 1989. When he wasn't in a tournament (too many wins, places or Big Bass to list), he was bass fishing with his friends and relatives. In his retirement years, he especially loved taking his nephews out, teaching them his fishing techniques and showing them his favorite spots. When he wasn't on the water, usually because his boat was down, he was telling fish tales to anyone who would listen. He even spent several years of his retirement at Cabela's in Louisville working part-time in the fishing department, making friends and supporting his favorite hobby. Lonnie also did find the time between fishing trips to enjoy raising a huge garden, growing fruit trees and cultivating black raspberries to make his cherished homemade ice cream.

 Lonnie loved his role as a great uncle. His great-nieces and nephews were, in his eyes, his first grandchildren. He loved spending time with all of them, playing different games and sports in the yard and pool, or playing chess (Lonnie's favorite). His pride and affection continued with his grandsons Roman and Jude, who adored their "Pop" and loved his full attention, which he freely gave. Lonnie could not have been happier than when his beautiful granddaughter Lux came into his life. He loved watching her grow and talking about her. He often expressed how full his heart was for his little princess.

  Lonnie will be deeply missed by his large family and group of friends. 

  In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts suggested to Coach Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund for Carroll County girls athletes college-bound in care of the funeral home.

   “The river is of the earth and it is free. It is rigorously embanked and bound, and yet it is free. To hell with restraint, it says, I have got to be going. It will grind out its dams. It will go over or around them. They will become pieces.”— Wendell Berry

  This obituary was composed by the family.

 Arrangements have been entrusted with the Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home.

Fundraiser by Miriam Jones : Coach Jones Memorial Scholarship 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/coach-jones-memorial-scholarship