Robert “Farmer” Jones Sr.

Shandaken-

     Robert Lee Jones Sr., 79, of Rt. 42 died Saturday August 14, 2021 at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.  He was born January 28, 1942 in Newburgh, son of the late Frank and Mary Townsend Jones.  He was a veteran of the US Army having honorably served at Ft. Richardson in Anchorage,Alaska during the great earthquake and tsunami of 1964.  He married the love of his life Barbara Sept. 18, 1965.  He worked in the carpenter's union in Suffern, before relocating to Shandaken where he was active in construction, and owned and operated Farmer Jones' Barns for 47 years until his retirement in 2017.  He was known to have a keen eye for a 'ringer' in the horseshoe pit.  He was an avid outdoorsman who spent time fishing and hunting in the Catskill's.  He was an animal enthusiast, who was known for rescuing abandoned or injured animals.  He was a born problem solver and natural architect, designing many beautiful buildings throughout the area.  Although he was stubborn and hardheaded, he had a strong sense of community, and was kind and gentle when it came to his family and animals.  

     Surviving are his wife of fifty-five years Barbara Brautigam Jones, a son Robert (Theresa) Jones Jr., daughters: Tracy Jones, Tammy Jones (Tony Vanacore), and Tina (Eric) DeLaura.  Grandchildren: Shannon (Holly), Megan, Tyler (Chelsea), Jessica (Patrick), Robert III (Sophie), Brandi (Joel), Dakota, Bernice, Anthony, Gracie, and six great grandchildren.  A sister Rosalie Boland.  He was predeceased by his siblings Frank Jones and Patricia Maxim.

     A Service to Celebrate the Life of Robert will be held privately Wednesday evening.  Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.  Burial will be private.  The family suggests indoor plants for loved ones to take home, or contributions to the Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort Box 187 Shandaken.  You may share a condolence or special memory on Farmer Jone's Tribute Wall at gormleyfuneralhome.com

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