Kenneth Jones

Kenneth Jones, 63, of Dyersburg, died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at his residence.  Born November 23, 1954, he was the son of the late Howard and Mary Owens Jones. Ken graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis in 1972.  He studied biology at Notre Dame, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Fisheries from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1978, and received his Master of Science in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University in 1981. He was a retired associate professor of biology at Dyersburg State Community College, where he taught for twenty years.  Upon retirement from Dyersburg State, he worked as a reporter for the Dyersburg State Gazette and was teaching part-time at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Ken was involved from 2003 thru 2009 with the Population Survey of the Interior Least Tern, a bird that was placed on the endangered species list in 1985.  During this study, Ken traveled the Mississippi River documenting the Tern birds, while teaching about and sharing his love of the River. Ken was an avid outdoorsman and lover of all animals great and small.  He will always be remembered as one of the great raconteurs of the area, always being able to entertain with a great story.  He appeared often on stage in local theater productions and kept his harmonica handy to entertain friends and strangers.  He was also well known in the area for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in many educational endeavors over the years.  Ken was a member of First Christian Church and an active member of a Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Jeanne Holt of Dyersburg.

There will be a celebration of the life of Ken Jones will be held Sunday, January 21st at 4:00 pm at the First Christian Church Main Auditorium.  Casual attire is appropriate. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Dyersburg State Community College, the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, or McIver’s Grant Public Library.  Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Jones family at www.curryfuneral.com.