Lt. Colonel Richard A. Jones

MADISON-Lt. Colonel Richard A. Jones, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at Waunakee Manor. He was born on Sept. 5, 1922, in Beloit, the son of Richard H. and Eva Mae (Henderson) Jones. Richard graduated from Madison West High School and worked as a cabinet maker before entering the military in Nov. 1942. He then served with the 86th Fighter Group in Europe as a fighter pilot. During his distinguished career from World War II through Viet Nam, he flew in over 425 combat missions. As a “Top Gun” pilot, Richard was awarded numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross- 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Metal, Air Metal- 21 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Metal- 3 Bronze Stars and the Air Force Longevity Service- 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired from the military after more than 30 years of service. Richard was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed long walks on is properties in Janesville and Mercer and would hunt on both every year, he was a master cabinet maker and could fix anything. Richard could regularly be found at the local ball diamonds as he never missed his grandson’s games. Richard is survived by his son, Scott R. (Kelly Femrite) Jones; grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie) Jones and Cole Jones; great-grandson, Hayden Jones; sister, Beverly Stoughton; step-brothers, Robert and Tom; step-children, Larry (Debbie) Horton, David Horton and Debra Leadholm; step-grandchildren, Shirley, Terry, Jason, Bryan and Adam; and his best friend and companion, Jan Cramer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Gleason) in 2005; parents; and sister, Kay Deighton. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 and also from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 and also from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding.