Bernard E. Jones

Bernard Eugene Jones, passed away January 9th, 2022, at his home, surrounded by family. Bernie was born March 9, 1942, to Zelma May (Kester) and Daniel B. Jones in Cambridge, Nebraska. Bernie enjoyed spending his childhood days outside fishing, hunting, and building forts along the Medicine Creek with friends Richard Taylor and Eric Eisenhart. The men have few childhood memories without one another, considered one another brothers, and remained friends for life.

A survivor of the 1947 flood, Bernie had vivid memories of the phone call that saved his family and the bravery of his father in action. He recalled following his father around as he opened windows to let the water in, to keep the house from leaving its foundation. The family waited the flood out in the attic. Daniel had the forethought to bring a knife to the attic and thankfully, as the waters rose, he knew he needed to cut a hole in the roof. He then safely moved his family to the highest ground possible. There, they waited for help.

The summer after graduating Cambridge High School Bernie worked north of Cambridge with his uncle and cousins at Kester Farms. In 1961 Bernie was married to Mary Lou (Stagemeyer) at St. John’s Catholic Church in Cambridge. He enjoyed spending time at the Stagemeyer family farm and Mary’s siblings quickly became his siblings. They have always remained close and continued to celebrate birthdays together throughout the years. Bernie and Mary always wanted a large family and had 6 children together, Jeff, Pat, Mary Ann, Susan, Jeana, and Beth.

In 1961 Bernie began working at Trenchers filling station in Cambridge and then the Cambridge Co-op. Bernie was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything. He was always willing to put in the hard work. In 1965 he began working for Lester Johnson at the International Harvester Implement in Cambridge. During this time Bernie and Mary began building their family home east of Cambridge. Bernie and his father did much of the work. He would work all day at the Implement and then work all night on the house. This home was truly one of his greatest achievements. In December of 1971 the family was able to move in, just in time for Christmas. He took great pride in keeping and maintaining the home he built. He was an excellent gardener and together he and Mary grew much of the produce to feed their growing family. The home has been nick-named Grand Central Station as guests and family alike are welcome and always coming and going. You can also be sure, a meal will be served.

In 1975 he bought into the Watson and Mueller Implement to create Watson, Mueller, and Jones Implement in Arapahoe, NE. During this time, Saturdays would be spent hunting with his boys. They would pile into a Scout International with Almond Joys tucked under the seat and hot chocolate in the thermos. Bernie was a crack shot. His rifle an extension of himself. He recalled shooting a brick of ammo a week in high school to perfect his skills and rarely missed a target if he set his sights on it.

Every July Bernie and Mary would load up the station wagon and head to Estes Park for family vacation. Extras were always welcome to tag along. The mountains were one of Bernie’s favorite places.

When CASE bought out International Harvester, Bernie decided to make a change. In March of 1986 Bernie and Mary bought a car dealership in Cambridge, NE. There was only one vehicle in the showroom but that just allowed Bernie to build the business. Being a smart businessman, always striving to make the best decisions for his family and business, Bernie built Bernie Jones GMC to include sales, service, and auto body. Inviting his sons to work alongside him and having success along the way.

Bernie was an exemplary provider for his family. He took excellent care of his own aging parents and always remained close with them. In 2000 he retired. He always found it ironic he ended up retiring across the street from where he started working at 18. He felt he came full circle. During his retirement he and Mary traveled to many places. They enjoyed 12 bus tours, a trip to Hawaii, trips to Branson, Colorado, Georgia and Florida to visit Jeana, and an Alaskan cruise. The trip to Alaska was a favorite and he told everyone they needed to see Alaska. The couple wintered in Texas for 15 years. They made many friends and Bernie especially enjoyed their time there.

Bernie was an easy conversationalist and loved helping others. He coined himself as the “Piano Man” after carrying Mary’s keyboard to her many musical functions. He was always her biggest fan and devoted to making her happy all his days. They began attending the McCook Evangelical Free church and made many good friends. Gene Mahon became a close friend and they enjoyed golfing together. Bernie enjoyed the little details of everyday life and knew every interstate, highway, mile marker, and calculated miles per gallon he’d get on each trip. Truly a skill lost to Google maps. He was a hopeless chocoholic. He passed this trait on to his children, grandchildren, and now, the great grandchildren.

Bernie was patient with the chaos and noise that five children and then eleven rowdy grandchildren bring. He enjoyed having a full house as much as he enjoyed the quiet. Always fairly easy going and a good sport with the bustling household. He and Mary instilled an incredible work ethic into their children and encouraged them to work hard for the things they wanted, try new things, and to always do their best. These things will never be forgotten.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Zelma and Daniel Jones; in-laws, Emma and Emil Stagemeyer; brothers-in-law, Merle and wife, Verna Stagemeyer and Larry Paisley; sister-in-law, Joyce and husband, Myron Hilker; daughter, Mary Ann Jones; grandson, Aaron Jones; and great-granddaughter, Scout Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Jones; five children, Jeff (Pam) Jones of Cambridge, Pat (Linda) Jones of Cambridge, Susan (Kurtis) Huxoll of Cambridge, Jeana (Chris) Kinley of Jacksonville FL, and Beth (Chris) Dorrell of Gretna; 11 grandchildren, Jessica Alexander, Evan Jones, Jake Jones, Danni Jones, Logan Huxoll, Breezy Johnson, Garrett Huxoll, Maddie Dorrell, Lauren Dorrell and Reagan Kinley; as well as a growing brood of great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Paisley; brother-in-law, Pete (Daphna) Stagemeyer and many nieces and nephews.

Friday, February 18th, 2022, at 11:00 am Graveside Services will be held at Cambridge Fairview Cemetery. Friends may leave online condolences at lockenourfh.com. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.

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