Jones, Alan Robert 1927-2007

JONES, SELLMAN, KOSTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/21/2010 at 10:50:18

Smith Funeral Home Obituaries (Grinnell, Iowa)

ALAN ROBERT JONES
August 20, 1927-February 10, 2007
Grinnell, Iowa

Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m. Thursday February 15, 2007 at Herrick Chapel-Grinnell, Iowa

Alan Robert Jones died on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at the age of 79 of a heart attack at his home in Grinnell. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m. at Herrick Chapel in Grinnell. Alan grew up in Tama, Iowa the son of Jean Sellman Jones and Benjamin Jones. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1950, later earning an MA and PHD degree from the University of Michigan. He devoted his entire teaching career to the history department at Grinnell College, before retiring in 1995. He is survived by his wife, Jean of Grinnell, two sons, Thomas of Grinnell and Dave (Kristi) of West Des Moines, one daughter, Katherine Koster (Harry) of New York, four grandchildren, Trevi, Tatum, Maximillian and Alexandra, and his brother, Benjamin Jones. Alan had many intellectual interests which he maintained until his death and was the author of several publications including "Pioneering, A History of Grinnell College." He was active in local polictics, a member of the Grinnell city council for several years and devoted to his students, Grinnell College and his family. He will be sorely missed. The family requests that memorials be directed to Grinnell College or to the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation to be used for the "Library Building Fund."