Gary P Jones

PLATTEVILLE - Gary Paul Jones, age 74, of Platteville, dear brother and friend, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, January 20, 2023.

He was born June 23, 1948, to Leonard and Hazel Jones of Rewey. He later graduated from Platteville High School, where he excelled in the sport of pole vaulting. His education in the engineering program at Wisconsin State University, Platteville, was interrupted after three semesters by military service in Vietnam. Although Gary was awarded the Purple Heart, he was scarred by the war experience for the rest of his life. Later he was a member of Veterans for Peace. He married Jill Nicholson in Platteville and attended Madison Business College. Eventually Gary settled on a career in construction and became a skilled wood worker. He spent several decades living and working in Key West, Florida. Always athletic, he thrived on going barefoot, diving, biking, and beach volleyball. He had a heart for nature and animals. Gary was a free spirit. Freedom always meant more to him than monetary things. Retaining contact with his roots in the Welsh Settlement near Rewey, he eventually gravitated back to southwest Wisconsin.

Gary is survived by siblings: John (Sherri) Jones; Charles (Jean) Jones; and Sally (Mark) Redfern; also Molly Vick, his companion of many years; close friend Randy Henderson, and others.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen (Phil) Gottschalk.

Gary’s friends are invited to remember him at a gathering on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 5 p.m., at Badger Bar in Platteville. A Memorial Service will be held in Rewey this coming spring. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is serving the family.

Gratitude goes to the caring staff and hospice at Copper Leaf in Wild Rose, WI, and to Gary’s loyal friend, Randy Henderson.