A Life Rooted in Love and Service
Louis Franklin “Frank” Jones, lovingly known as Frank, was a man who lived with purpose, kindness, and devotion. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, he peacefully took his final breath. Even in those tender last days, he was still sharing his life stories, still offering wisdom, and still showing the love that defined his entire life.
Born on August 19, 1948, in Charleston, WV, Frank was the son of Emmett and Doris Jones. From his early days in Dunbar, where he graduated from Dunbar High School in 1967, to his time at West Virginia State College, Frank was always known as a man who worked hard and gave wholeheartedly. He served in the United States Air Force, the Army Reserves, and the West Virginia National Guard for nearly forty years, ultimately retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2007. His service was not just a career—it was a calling, a reflection of his character and his unwavering loyalty to both his family and his country.
A Man Who Loved Life and People
Frank wasn’t only defined by his career or his service; he was a man whose life was filled with passions that brought joy to him and those around him. He was an athlete in his youth, and though his high school days ended long ago, his love for sports never faded. He was the kind of man you could always find cheering in the stands, encouraging young athletes, and celebrating victories big or small. His presence in the local sports community will be deeply missed.
Beyond sports, Frank found peace and fulfillment in the outdoors. Hunting and trapping were not just hobbies but sacred times for him—moments spent connecting with nature and creating lifelong memories, often alongside his best friend, Boone Rucker. These simple yet meaningful experiences captured the essence of who Frank was: a man who appreciated life’s beauty, its challenges, and its blessings.
A Legacy That Lives On
While Frank’s passing leaves an unfillable void, his legacy shines brightly through the family who loved him dearly. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Janet, his four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. To them, and to his sisters, extended family, and countless friends, Frank was more than a husband, father, or brother—he was a steady hand, a source of strength, and a reminder of unconditional love.
Though no formal services will be held, his memory will not fade. Every story shared, every game cheered, every moment spent in the woods will be a tribute to Frank. His life was a tapestry woven with love, service, laughter, and faithfulness, and that tapestry will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
