Murl Lee Jones

Murl Lee Jones, of the Pennsboro community south of Greenfield, Missouri, departed this life at the age of 89. He was called to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday February 28, 2022 at his home.

Murl was born August 30, 1932 near Pennsboro, Missouri to Elmer Jones and Irma Vandegrift Jones. He grew up on the family farm and attended Pennsboro Elementary school where he graduated eighth grade. He attended Greenfield High School, graduating in 1950, and college at Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State University). That same year, Murl married his high school sweetheart, Doris Johnson Jones and began his farming career.

Due to a very long drought the first year of his farming career, he and Doris moved to Kansas City to work for the winter. They had planned to return to South Greenfield in the spring to continue farming but ended up not moving back until thirty years later.
Murl and Doris had two sons, Larry Dean Jones and Alan Lee Jones. Alan preceded Murl in death in 2013.

While in Kansas City, Murl had several different jobs. He worked at the General Motors assembly plant and continued his love for music while working at Jenkins Music Company. Not long after, he finally opened his own piano shop – Jones Piano House – which specialized in rebuilding, repairing, and tuning pianos. He often had six to eight employees, one being a blind man who could tune a piano better than anyone.

After thirty years in Kansas City, Murl sold his business (which is still in operation today) and he and Doris returned to the family roots in Pennsboro where he spent the last 21 years of his life farming.

Murl accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at the age of 30 after a tragic car accident. He continued his devotion for Jesus and attended Sunday School and church at Englewood Baptist Church in Kansas City. When he and Doris returned to farm, they faithfully attended Main Street Baptist Church in Greenfield. His last day of attendance was February 27, 2022.

Murl enjoyed many activities. He loved music and song, and played instruments in the high school band. He also sang songs at various functions and for family and friends. Music was a favorite subject in college. He enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel music and watching DVDs of Ernie Hasse and the Gaither Vocal Band.

He loved his time playing dominoes with his friends at the Senior Citizen Center, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals play. He enjoyed bowling and attended many tournaments all over the country, but most of all he enjoyed playing cards and telling jokes with his family and friends.

Murl will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Doris Johnson Jones; one son, Larry Dean Jones and his wife, Rebecca; two grandchildren, Adam Jones and his wife Cynthia, and Sarah Jones Ellis and her husband, Nathan; and two great-grandchildren, Colin Jones and Cambri Jones.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Main Street Baptist Church. Burial followed in Pennsboro Cemetery. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsboro Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.