Ralph Edward Jones

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share that Ralph Edward Jones passed away on May 3, 2025, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. After a gradual decline in health over the past year, his body grew weary and in its quiet surrender, he found rest.

Born March 22, 1942, to Duane and Thelma (Eshleman) Jones, Ralph grew up with a deep sense of the importance of family. After graduating from Hoover High School in San Diego, California, he joined the military where he served in the Vietnam War and navigated the skies as a Navy helicopter pilot, serving his country with honor.

While living in San Diego, Ralph met his husband, Larry Platz. Throughout their 55 years together, they lived in California, Hawaii, and Nevada before settling in Kansas where they spent the last 20 years living close to family as well as to friends who had become family.

In his free time, Ralph enjoyed watching movies and working on projects around the house. He had a competitive nature when playing cards and had no interest in discussing what happened during the last hand after it was over…” Don’t beat a dead horse,” he would say (unless he was the winner). He was all in for family meals – right up until the meal ended, then he vanished like a magician!

He is preceded in death and lovingly reunited with his mother and stepfather, Thelma and William C. (Bill) Deaver; his father, Duane Jones; stepmother, Dee Jones; and sisters Carol Fletcher and Joyce Cress. He is survived by his husband, Larry Platz; a sister, Diane (Kurt) Kristensen; and a stepbrother, Tony Jones. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and chosen family members.

Though we mourn his passing, we’re grateful for the memories and the laughter we shared with him.

We will gather to celebrate and honor Ralph’s life on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, Lebo, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation in Ralph’s memory to Disabled American Veterans and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 W. 6th St., Lebo, KS 66856.