Bernard L. Jones

Bernie was born on November 10, 1929 to LeRoy and Ena Irene (Nichols) Jones at their home on Fountain Street in Marshall. He attended Marshall schools and graduated from Marshall High School in 1948. Bernie served in the U.S. Army for two years. He worked at Kellogg Company as an oven operator. He started his employment with Kellogg's when he graduated from high school and retired in 1979. He lived in Marshall until moving to Walnut Pointe for a short time and in 1953 bought his farm on N Drive North. Besides working at Kellogg's he farmed. Bernie was a talented gardener. He was a member of the Michigan Gladiola Society, and the North American Gladiola Society where he had served as Executive Secretary. He was a past member of the Rose Society. Bernie is a member of the Hall of Fame at Michner Library in Greeley, CO where he is recognized for his work with gladiolas. He was recognized as a Prominent Volunteer for the City of Battle Creek for his work with flowers and wreathes to decorate the city. He was certified by Michigan State University as a Master Gardener. Bernie was a member of the Marshall and Battle Creek Garden Clubs. Bernie was the Resident Florist at Southern Exposure for 10 years. He was a member of the Calhoun County Agricultural and Industrial Society. He served as the Antique Superintendent at the Calhoun County Fair for many years. Bernie was a member and past president of the Kellogg Retirees. He enjoyed traveling extensively and has visited every continent more than once. Surviving are his sister Irene (Howard) Nanninga of Kalkaska; and two nephews James Nanninga and Mark Nanninga. He was preceded in death by his mother on Feb. 14, 1971 and his father on July 11, 1983. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Thursday, February 17, from 1PM to 3PM with services celebrating Bernie's life to begin at 3PM with Rev. James Codde officiating.Cremation will follow services with interment of cremated remains in Oakridge Cemetery.Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Southcentral Michigan. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home.A MEMORIAL OPEN HOUSE WILL BE HELD AT SOUTHERN EXPOSURE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2011 FROM 2PM TO 4PM TO FURTHER HONOR BERNIE'S MEMORY.