Edward Thomas Jones
Edward Thomas Jones, age 72, died December 9, 2021 from complications related to COVID. Edward was known as Ed or Tom by many friends and acquaintances and Tommy by immediate family and childhood friends.
Ed spent his career in public service, working for both state and local governments. He also worked for a nationwide consulting company, advising state governments. Ed began his career in 1971 as a caseworker and quickly advanced to management. Over the years, he held a variety of positions. After serving as the Assistant Director of Income Maintenance in St. Louis County, he was asked to direct and implement the 1994 Personal Responsibility Act (welfare reform) in the state of Missouri. Ed was then asked to direct the newly formed Division of Workforce Development. He ended his career serving in Mayor Frances Slay’s Cabinet as the Director of the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment. After retiring, Ed continued to serve the community by volunteering with St. Louis County Human Services.
Ed was passionate about life, his family, music, golf, travel, road trips, cooking, the St. Louis Billikens, Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He lived the final challenging years of his life with joy, humor, dignity, and grace.
Ed leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Christine (Kassing) Jones; his daughters, Heather Jones, and Allison (Jones) Smith; his niece, Ashley Holman; and sister Patience (Jones) Washington as well as many close extended family and friends. He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.
Services are private. A celebration of Ed and a life well-lived will be scheduled at a later date.
A beautiful tribute for a man who contributed so much to his city, state and family. We will miss him more than words can say.
A man who was always there for others. He lived his life with grace, wit, passion and common sense. We will all miss him.
Tom was an important part of our lives for many years. We have wonderful memories of family gatherings, trips together, political discussions, bridge and hearts games, and so many other things. He was caring and funny. We loved him a lot and will miss him so much.
Tom was my mentor at SLATE and I owe him a debt of gratitude for all he taught me. He was generous, caring, supportive and an amazing leader. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Chris and his family. May my friend Rest In Peace.
Tom was such a great person to work with and learn from. He taught me a lot about working with people and I had the greatest respect for him. I am so sad to hear he has passed. Prayers for Chris and the rest of his family.
Worked at Slate with Mr. Jones. Super person and an exceptional professional. Will be missed.
Tom Jones was such a great boss and friend. I worked for Tom during his tenure under Mayor Slay. He did an amazing job with SLATE and I am extremely grateful to him for taking a chance on me. He will surely be missed! My prayers go out for Chris, his daughters and the entire family.
A good friend..he gave much to others.
Thinking of Chris and the entire family at this time. Tom’s great humor and selflessness will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with all of you today. I cannot tell you how much Tom will be missed.
Mr. Jones, will truly be missed. May God comfort and give you peace.
Tom was a good friend and truly a public servant. He was gracious and classy. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.
There are many words that one could use to describe Tom. Smart, gracious, generous, loving, funny, supportive, hard worker, decent, full of grace, just to name a few. In the interest of brevity, which likely he would appreciate, Tom was a really good man. The world is a lesser place without him. We loved him and will miss him so much.
Tom was a wonderful person. I’m sorry that I didn’t see him much since he retired from the City and I’m sorry that I won’t have that opportunity again. I will miss him a lot!
Tom was the best boss. Was so helpful and caring when my husband was so sick 14 years ago. I always enjoyed working for and with him. From the state to the city and St. Louis community college. I am so glad to have known him and have had him in my life. Sherry Vogel.
CHRIS…….WHEN .SOMEONE YOU LOVE BECOMES A MEMORY …
THE MEMORY BECOMES A TREASURE …
CHERISH THE MANY TREASURES YOU HAVE ….
HE WAS OBVIOUSLY A GOOD MAN …..OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ! !
Tom was simply the best kind of man, so honest and kind, smart and funny. He was a way better person than he realized which was part of his appeal. We spent many many fun evenings together with him and Chris and will miss him terribly. One of my favorite things about Tom was how much he loved Chris and how completely open he was about it. We loved him and are forever glad he was our friend.