Leon Jones

Leon Jones, 95, of Blytheville, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, at his home. He was born in Morrilton to David G. and Winnie Pearl (Hawkins) Jones. Leon moved to Blytheville in 1948 and worked for Hubbard Hardware. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. After his discharge from the Army, he had an interest in the cotton industry and attended Murdock School of Cotton in Memphis, Tenn., to learn cotton classing and marketing. Mr. Jones went to work for R.D. Hughes Men’s Store, which later became Day’s Men Store. He developed an extensive customer base which were very dedicated, and continued to drive to Blytheville for his outstanding personal customer service. Mr. Jones had customers that came to him for 50 plus years. He served loyal customers from the surrounding area to Little Rock and Texas.

He was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church since 1953, where he served as chairman of the deacons, Sunday school teacher, worked with the Awanas, and chaired the annual Ladies Night for 34 years. Mr. Jones was a member of the Blytheville Lions Club for 63 years and had served as president. He received the Lions Club International Foundation Melvin Jones Award. He was Lion of the Year in 2006 and 2020 for his service, loyalty, and devotion to Blytheville Lionism since 1960. He received the Arkansas Eye Bank and Laboratory Crystal Cornea Award 2014-2015 for service toward restoring sight. He also received the “Light of the World” Award by the Blytheville First Baptist Church in 1997. In 2022, he was awarded the Disabled American Veterans commemorative military statue by the DAV Chapter 26, in Jonesboro. On Nov. 30, 2017, the mayor of the City of Blytheville proclaimed this day to be Leon Jones Day. He was also awarded by the Main Street Blytheville Economic Restructuring Committee the First Gold Dollar Award in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hoid and Druid Jones; six sisters, Auline Marlin, Christina Perry, Lavern Dunlap, Ruby Mallett, Margurite Long and Martha Black.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deloris Hardesty Jones; children, Scott Hutton of Lake City and Kim Byrd and her husband Anthony of Blytheville; and two grandchildren, Peyton Hutton and Sarah Byrd.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Arkansas Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.