Kenneth Lester Jones
1903-1999

Kenneth L. Jones Professor Emeritus of Botany died, November 14, 1999, at Chelsea Retirement Community at the age of 93. He was born December 3, 1903 in Keweenaw Bay, Michigan and moved to Flint in 1919. Active in scouting as a boy, he became a scout master later. In 1924, he graduated from Syracuse University, and in 1929 he married Wilma Gertrude Oppenorn, who preceded him in death. He received his masters degree and doctorate from University of Michigan, where he stayed on as a member of the faculty continuing to teach for 58 years, 13 of which he served as Chairman of the Botany Department. He began teaching Introductory Botany, then taking on courses in soil microbiology and genetics, in his later years he taught the popular "Great Books" course. He authored three books: Botanical Essays, Plants in Our lives & The Harley Harris Bartlett Diaries. A lover of classical music, literature and art, he was a juror for organ students in the University of Michigan School of Music. He is survived by a son, Roland Leo Jones of Denver, Colorado; a daughter, Hannah Chamberlin of Muscatine, Iowa; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.