Walter Donald Jones, 92, lifelong resident of Franklin, IN. passed away Saturday, July 11, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 24, 1922, in Johnson County, Indiana to Henry W. “Casey” Jones and Florence Ethel (Land) Jones. He married Katherinee Janice (Mull) Jones on November 12, 1943 in Indianapolis, she survives.
Walter was a self-employed building contractor and developer. He and his wife owned and developed Jones subdivision and Stonybrook Estates in Franklin, IN. and co-owned and developed Jefferson Meadows in Franklin, IN. Walter was a member of Tabernacle Christian Church in Franklin, Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 107 F&AM, and Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, Murat Shrine, and Franklin Order of the Eastern Star No. 439. He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII serving on the Louis Luckenback and SS Hollywood. He served in the “Greatest Navy in the World” from June of 1942 until the middle of October 1945. While serving on the Louis Luckenback, two enemy fleets were crushed at one time, receiving their surrenders only four months apart. Walter received a letter of appreciation from the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, Washington, D.C. October 24, 1945, - He wrote: “No other Navy at any other time had done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude.”
Walter is survived by his wife of almost seventy-two years Katherinee J. (Mull) Jones of Franklin, IN; daughters Karen Lee Gimian (Allan) of Montclair, VA, Sharon Kay DeWitt (Donn) of Franklin, IN, and Jan Elizabeth Reichel (Bruce) of Franklin, IN; grandchildren Chad VanEtten (Laura), Casey VanEtten, Todd Gimian, Tara Gimian, Jennifer Reichel Morey (Nick), Walter Jones, Homer Jones, and Jennie-Jean Katherinee Jones; six great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law Donald Mull (Gwen) of Greenwood, IN; sisters-in law Pauline Gaither of Greenwood, IN; Beulah Jones, and Hilda Jones of Franklin, IN.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents Henry W. “Casey” and Florence Ethel (Land) Jones, his son Thomas Douglas Jones, and by his five brothers; Cecil B. Jones, Harold V. Jones, Roy E. Jones, Charles H. Jones, and William A. Jones.
The Reverend William Horner will conduct a service on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street), Franklin, IN. Friends may call from Thursday, July 16, from 3-8PM at the mortuary where a Masonic service will take place at 7:30PM by Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 107 F&AM. Burial will follow with full military honors at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, IN.
If you prefer, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, P.O. Box 44210, 525 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0210 or Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 North Water Street, Franklin, IN 46131.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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