Charles 'Charlie' Edward Jones

Charles "Charlie" Edward Jones

October 26, 1959 – April 3, 2025

Charles "Charlie" Edward Jones, 65, of Tipton, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at his home.  A visitation to honor Charlie’s life will take place on Thursday, April 10, from 10 to 11 AM at Summit Church, rural Bettendorf, with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 AM. Burial will be held at Summit Cemetery, where Charlie will be laid to rest beside his beloved parents. A luncheon will follow at the church. Online condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Charlie was born on October 26, 1959, in Tipton, Iowa, to Marvin Edward and Francis “Bunny” Anne (Hoffman) Jones. The second-to-youngest of six children, Charlie grew up surrounded by the values his parents instilled—respect, hard work, and dedication to the family farm. He shared a deep bond with his parents and spent countless hours with his father in the shop and on their farm in Wheatland, Iowa, developing a lifelong love of machinery and metalwork.

At just 16 years old, Charlie showcased his industrious spirit by launching his own upholstery business from his parents’ garage. After graduating from Wheatland High School in 1979, he briefly attended Iowa State University, where he excelled academically but discovered his true passion lay back home—working with metal, machinery, and the land.

In 1981, Charlie married Ginger Townsend in Dixon, Iowa, and together they had three sons, Charles “Chuck”, Chad and Jacob. While life brought its challenges, Charlie’s love for his children was unwavering. He shared a particularly close bond with his sons and took immense pride in his grandchildren, Brooklyn, Caroline, Forest, and Cam, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Charlie’s passion for working with metal and machinery became the cornerstone of his career and life. A skilled fabricator and natural mechanic, he was known for his ability to bring even the most challenging projects to life. Over the years, Charlie wore many hats—farmer, truck driver, business owner, and real estate investor. He owned and operated Hickory Grove Mobile Home Park and later invested in Lake Canyada.  Charlie retired from the real estate business in 2020. Despite his successes, Charlie remained humble and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

On his farmstead east of Tipton, where he lived for nearly 40 years, Charlie continued to pour his heart into his projects, improving his homestead, shop and farm ground.  His last major endeavor was completing a pull grader—a testament to his ingenuity and dedication to his craft.

While Charlie was known for his strong will and a hard exterior, he was equally remembered for his selflessness, generosity, and honesty. When asked to describe him, his family shared three words: hardworking, loving, and truthful. Charlie lived by these principles, earning the love and respect of those who knew him.

Charlie will be deeply missed by his sons, Charles “Chuck” Jones, Chad Jones, and Jacob Jones; his grandchildren, Brooklyn, Caroline, Forest and Cam; his brother Dennis (Deanna) Jones; his brother Brad Jones; his sister Kay (Joel) Jones-Dircks; his brother-in-law, Jay Delchow; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Bunny Jones; his sisters, Audrey Delchow and Brenda Kinnucky.

In honoring Charlie’s wishes, his funeral will take place at Summit Church, the same place his parents’ lives were celebrated. Though he charted his own path in life, Charlie’s respect for his family’s values remained a guiding force.