Carl Robert Jones, 80, of Smithville, MO passed away April 15, 2024.

Carl was born July 22, 1943, to Maurice and Wilma (Baker) Jones in Claycomo, Missouri. Carl grew up in Smithville, Missouri and attended Smithville schools, graduating in 1961. He started working at Corn Products/National Starch at the age of 18 and retired after 49 years as a machinist. Carl was a soldier in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Carl was a passionate member of the Steelworkers Union (USW) and devoted many years working to improve the lives of his fellow members. 

On March 27, 1986, he was united in marriage to Betty Annette Foster. They made their home in Smithville, where they raised their children and were very involved in the community. Betty passed away December 5, 2015. 

Carl was well known around all of Clay County as an ornery jokester. He always made sure everyone had a clean shirt and that all kids wore shoes while riding a bicycle. He valued hard work, helping others, and finding joy in the little things; including things like driving around the lake, to socializing at the grocery store, and even admiring the wildlife activity from near and afar. 

Carl loved his family dearly. He was a devoted husband who wore many hats, including personal chef, chauffeur, and he was a Betty Jones task specialist. Every inquiry was met with nothing short of a “yes dear “. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. 

Carl had such a loving relationship with his kids. Samantha and Andrew were the light of his life and everyone knew how proud Carl was of them. His pride was rivaled when he earned the title of “Wawa”, after he became a grandfather. He had four little loves and eventually an entire community that referred to him by his earned name. 

Friends meant so much to Carl. In fact, he has so many friends because he never knew a stranger. People often comment that they never saw him without a smile, but his true gift was that he always brought smiles to others. 

Carl is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; granddaughter, Macklyn; parents, Maurice and Wilma Jones; sisters, Charlotte and Carol; brothers, Gene, Ronnie, and Donnie and brother-in-law Eugene Shipley. 

Carl is survived by his daughter, Samantha; son, Andrew (Hadleigh); three grandchildren Carly, Georgia and Henry; brother, Earl (Janet) Jones; sister-in-law Linda Jones; sister-in-law, Barbara Shipley, and brother-in-law, Bob (Cindy) Foster as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Visitation: 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Funeral Services at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21st at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.  

Celebration of Life with dinner and fellowship to honor Carl will follow the service at 5:00 p.m. at Smithville American Legion.

Private Family Burial: Ridgley Cemetery, Ridgley, MO

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smithville Parks and Rec.