Melvin Jones

Melvin "Mel" J. Jones, age 80, of Park City, Kansas passed away on October 27, 2025.

Mel was born June 28, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Marvin and Elizabeth Jones. He was the second of two children. Mel was always a helpful and compassionate person. He was baptized at Riverside Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas. He became an Eagle Scout in March of 1961. He graduated from Wichita High School North with the class of 1963.

Mel attended Wichita State University before serving in the Army at Fort Irwin in Barstow, California, from 1966 to 1969 and played in the 433rd Army Band. Following his service in the Army, he moved back to Wichita, Kansas, and earned a certification in computer programming from the Electronic Computer Programming Institute.

Mel met his wife, Carol, in 1974 while working as a computer programmer at First National Bank of Topeka, Kansas. They married on January 18, 1975. Soon after, Mel adopted Robert as his son. They moved to Park City, Kansas in 1980. Mel continued to work as a mainframe computer programmer in banking until 2002. He then pursued a second career assisting in the data center at Wichita State University, and retired in 2014.

Mel enjoyed riding motorcycles and was always fascinated with airplanes. He was involved with the Christian Motorcyclists Association and traveled by motorcycle to many state rallies where he was inspired by the fellowship, music and teaching throughout the Midwest, and even a trip to the Grand Canyon. He also enjoyed taking his family to Green Mountain Falls, Colorado every summer for hiking and visiting the local tourist sites. The family cabin (Pine Crest) was a big part of his childhood summers and was built for Mel's great-grandmother by her sons.

Mel volunteered for various organizations, including St. Francis Hospital, Riverlawn Christian Church, and Meals on Wheels in Wichita, Kansas.

Mel leaves behind his loving wife of more than 50 years, Carol (Radatz) Jones; children, Robert (Nicole Horton) Jones of Topanga, California, and Marc (Jeana) Jones of Valley Center, Kansas; grandchildren, Megan (Isaac) Stevenson of Kansas City, Missouri, Aidan Jones of Houston, Texas, Nolan Jones, and Kaitlyn Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Empire Cemetery in McPherson County, followed by a celebration of life service from 11:00 AM-Noon at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67204. A lunch is to follow. A visitation will be held for friends and family the day prior to the service, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Petersen Family Funeral Services, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mel's memory may be made to Riverlawn Christian Church Missions or the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org), and left in the care of Petersen Family Funeral Service.