Theodore W. Jones III, dedicated farmer

Theodore W. Jones III of Primehook Neck passed away Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, with his daughters by his side.  Theodore was born July 7, 1937, on the farm where he spent his entire life.  He was the fourth child of the late Robert C. “Bud” and Elisabeth E. Smith Jones.  

After graduating from Milton High School he began farming full time as a grain and dairy farmer.  In 1976 poultry was added to the farming operation.  Theodore married his high school sweetheart, Connie Howell, in 1956.  

Theodore enjoyed farming, having breakfast with his friends at M&H, and visiting friends at Primehook Beach.  He was never at a loss for words whether you were a friend or a stranger.  Theodore was a true conservationist; he enjoyed watching the wildlife that his farm supported.  He was especially excited to see the return of the wild turkeys.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; brothers, Tom Jones (Doris), and Bob Jones (Marie); sister, Bessie Jones Walls (Dick); nephews, Wayne Jones, Wes Jones and Johnny Walls; as well as his special four-legged family, Buddy, Dog, and Lovey.

Theodore is survived by his daughters, Lisa Jones (companion Stanley West) and Lesley Stayton (Grier); grandchildren, Blair Rogers, Sadie Jones (companion Jason Webb), and Jake Jones (Courtney); great-granddaughter, Swayze Rogers; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Theodore was very proud that all of his grandchildren were college graduates.  He was able to watch his great-granddaughter show her calf at the 2021 Delaware State Fair.  Showing cattle was one of his favorite childhood memories. 

The family wants to give a special thank you to his caregivers of the past few months.  

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 1 p.m., with a time of visitation beginning at 11 a.m.  Interment will be at Slaughter Neck Cemetery, Milford, where Theodore was the cemetery caretaker for many years. Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Theodore’s memory are welcome to be made to the Slaughter Neck United Methodist Church, c/o Brent Rhue, P.O. Box 241, Milford, DE 19968.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.