Raymond F Jones II

Raymond F. Jones 11, 88, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio surrounded by the love of his family.

Ray was born on June 3, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Raymond F. Jones and Wanda (Mocarski) Jones. He grew up in Cleveland and graduated from West Technical High School in 1956. Following high school, Ray proudly served his country for seven years as a member of the United States Army Reserve.

On April 24, 1970, Ray married Susan A. Kanthak at St. Charles Church in Toledo. Sue was the love of his life, and throughout their 56 years of marriage, his love and devotion to her were at the heart of the life they built together. Ray adored Sue, and together they shared a life centered around family, faith, service, and the many friendships they made along the way. They were blessed with three children and, later, six grandchildren who brought great joy to their lives.

Throughout his career, Ray was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He worked for American Ship Building and SSOE in Toledo before beginning a long career with Champion Spark Plug, later Federal-Mogul, where he worked from 1970 until his retirement in 1999. His career took him from Toledo to Burlington, Iowa, and over the years he received numerous awards and recognitions for his professional accomplishments.

Ray's contributions extended far beyond his career. He believed strongly in giving back to others and his community. A lifelong blood donor, Ray donated more than 100 units of blood over the years-nearly 15 gallons-quietly helping countless people he would never meet. His extraordinary commitment to blood donation was just one example of his generous spirit and willingness to help others.

His faith was also central to his life. At St. Richard Parish in Swanton, Ohio, Ray served as coordinator of the Religious Education Program and as a member of the lay pastoral ministry. He also gave countless hours to parish activities, including serving as chairman of the pancake breakfast and parish festival. Ray was also a longtime member of the Great Lakes Historical Society, joining in 1960. His more than six decades of membership reflected his lifelong interest in Great Lakes history and his love of the ships, lighthouses, and communities that have been such an important part of the region.

Ray will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 56 years, Susan; his children, Stephen R. Jones of Belleville, Michigan, Gregory A. (Angela) Jones of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Andrea Jones Bond of Waterville, Ohio; his grandchildren, Andrew, Ben, Nicholas, Charlie, Ella, and Garrett; his brother, Paul Jones of Cape Coral, Florida; and the many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond F. and Wanda Jones. In keeping with his lifelong spirit of giving, Ray donated his body to the University of Toledo Medical Center, continuing to help others through medical education and research even after his passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio, in the Holy Family Center. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate Ray's life.

If you would like to make a donation in Ray's memory, please consider the Great Lakes Historical Society or the American Red Cross, two organizations that reflected interests and causes meaningful to him.

Ray's life was one of dedication-to Sue and his family, his faith, his work, his country, and his community. His willingness lo give his lime, talents, and quite literally a part of himself to help others leaves a legacy his family will carry with them always.