Dayton "Dick" Jones

Dayton A. "Dick" Jones, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, passed away on June 30, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 1, 1937, in Columbus, WI, to the late William E. and Ruth Jones. Dick graduated from Columbus High School in 1955. He moved to Madison and attended Madison Business College.  During this time, he worked part time at Oscar Mayer and drove taxis for Badger Cab. After graduation in 1959 he went to work at Research Products Corp, in the accounting dept and after 39 years retired as Treasurer of the Company. Throughout his career, he actively participated in various professional groups, notably serving several years as President of the Credit Management Association.

In May 1962 he married Karen Hillestad, from Milton, WI was living next door while she was attending UW Madison. They had 3 sons (Eric, Andrew, and Jeff. Dick was active in supporting them in Boy Scouts, t-ball, Madison Boy Choir, Swimming and DeMolay.

Dick was active in several Masonic organizations including Columbus Masonic Lodge #75, Scottish Rite, York Rite. Red Cross of Constantine and Zor Shrine Camel Patrol. In 1981 he was appointed to Zor Shriners Board of Directors and in 1991 was elected Potentate (President). He also served on the Zor Board of Trustees.  He served several other organizations including the Wisconsin Shrine Bowl High School Football Committee, the Zor Shrine Madison High School Football All Stars Committee and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was an active driver transporting children to Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago for life changing free medical care.

He and Karen were original members of Covenant Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Board of Deacons.

Dick was an avid Badger, Packers, and Brewers fan, having only missed a handful of Badger home football games since 1956. He and Karen loved to travel and visited 49 of the 50 states and extensive travels in Europe.

He is survived by his brother Will (Peg) of Waunakee, three sons Eric (Kathleen), Andrew (Lauri) and Jeffrey and 8 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, their infant daughter Gwendolyn and his brother Douglas and sister Joan.

A memorial service to celebrate Dick's life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Thursday, September 14th, at 11 am, followed by a fellowship lunch. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, a cause dear to Dick's heart.