Anderson, IN - Frederic Gene Jones, 87, of Anderson, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, after an extended illness.

He was born on July 26, 1939, in Indianapolis, the second of six sons of Wayne and Mary Jeanette (Jackley) Jones. He spent his very early years in Frankton, then moved to Elwood when he was in the third grade. Fred graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School, earned his bachelor of science degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, and received his master of arts degree from Ball State University, Muncie.

He retired from Anderson Community Schools after 35 years, serving as Director of Health and Physical Education for grades K through 12 and was also Director of Elementary Athletics and Driver's Education.

In 1969, he was awarded the honor of Educator of the Year for ACSC. Early in his career, Fred coached elementary football, basketball, track and high school swimming. He managed the Elwood swimming pool and the Edgewood Country Club pool in Anderson.

Fred was a former member of the BPO Elks Club, Madison County Retired School Administrators and Madison County Retired Teachers Association. He held a seat on the first St. Ambrose School Board and served as an usher at St. Ambrose for many years.

He was known for his ability to repair almost anything and for his exceptional organizational skills. Fred's garage was where he proudly built 11 doll houses; one for each of his seven grandchildren, one was auctioned for the Paramount Theatre and three were given to well deserving family members and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Justine (Nichols) Jones, whom he met at Austin Peay. Also, surviving are his three daughters, Marsha (David) Rhinesmith, Carmel, Stephanie Lipski, Dacula, Georgia, and Tracey (Brad) Freeman, Richmond; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Jackie) Rhinesmith, Kevin (Katie) Rhinesmith, Indianapolis, Marie Lipski, Daytona, Florida, Renee Lipski, Athens, Georgia, Madeline Freeman, Katherine Freeman, Indianapolis, and Lauren Freeman, Richmond; great-grandsons, Luke and Jack Rhinesmith; brothers, Edwin (Jane) Jones, Fort Myers, Florida, Terry Jones, Elwood, and Robert (Paula) Jones, Kokomo; and sister-in-law, Linda Roberts Nichols, Clarksville, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard Jones and Kenneth Jones; brother-in-law, Charles R. Nichols; and sister-in-law, Lorrie Jones.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Pointe and Paradigm Health Hospice for their loving care and service during Fred's stay with them.

Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2801 Lincoln St., Anderson with Rev. Tom Metzger officiating. Burial will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Anderson, or St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Anderson.

www.LooseCares.com.