David Woodrow Jones

David Woodrow Jones, 77 of Gaylord, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023, with his family by his side.

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 20, 1946, he was the son of Woodrow and Agnes (Linnenkugal) Jones.  He grew up in the Ypsilanti area, graduating from Lincoln Consolidated Schools in 1964. 

Shortly after graduating, David was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Germany with the 287^th M.P.s.  After his service to the Army, he returned home to become proprietor of the Stony Creek Marathon station and continued to work at the family farm.

In the early 1970’s, David moved his family to Gaylord where he worked for Ron’s Wrecker, Johnson’s Marathon, then started a long career at Glen’s Markets, working in maintenance.  He could be found enjoying early morning coffee, sharing jokes and stories, at the Flap Jack Shack with many of the great friends he made over the years.

David was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying biannual trips to Cody, Wyoming and Kaby Lodge, and often locally in the Pigeon River. He enjoyed wood working, singing in weddings and with the community choir, and every William W. Johnstone book.

Family always came first to David, but a close second was his love for UofM football. He passed this passion onto his children and grandchildren. HAIL!

David was most proud of his efforts to reconnect with his brothers in arms, the Army’s 287th MPs. In his retirement years, he became the driving force behind reuniting with his fellow MP’s, who continue to gather throughout the United States to this day.

David is survived by his children, Kevin (Angela) Jones of Frederic, Matthew Jones of East Jordan, and Erika (Jeff) Baxter of Johannesburg; grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, and Molly; step grandchildren; Madelyn, Shelby, and Carsen, three great grandchildren; sisters, Gwen (Ray) Klein and Becky (Don) Stark of Ohio; a brother, Ken (Deb) Jones of Adrian; several nieces and nephews, and lengthy list of pseudo sons and daughters.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Shirley Herman.

David’s family will gather with friends to visit and remember his life at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service from 2:00-5:00PM Saturday, September 30, 2023.  A celebration of his life will be held following the visitation beginning at 5:30 PM at Big Buck Brewery, 550 S. Wisconsin Avenue in Gaylord.  This will be a tailgate style celebration, so in honor of David, please where your maize and blue!  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to Ralph Holewinski VFW Post #1518 Building Fund, in Gaylord.