Clarence E. "Sonny" Jones

Clarence E. (Sonny) Jones, 85, of Fremont, passed away February 3, 2023.

Our loving dad, grandpa, and great grandpa passed away peacefully Friday evening, five days shy of seven months of his wife, JoJo’s passing. 

Sonny was born July 14, 1937, in Bellevue, Ohio to Galen and Nellie (Ginnever) Jones.  On December 27, 1958 he married the love of his life Joanne (Albright) Jones.  Sonny is survived by his daughters and sons (by marriage):  Jody (Mark) Gutschalk. Laura (Dave) Frederick, and Jada (Craig) Jackson.  He is survived by three grandchildren:  Donald Frederick, Amanda (David) Deshisky, and Jacob (Brittany) Gutschalk.  His granddaughter Callie Jackson has been anxiously awaiting him in heaven.  Sonny had six great grandchildren:  Gwen, Josie, Ava, and George Gutschalk; Auggie and Jackson Deshisky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, granddaughter, sisters Gaylene Noftz and Bernyce Jones.

Sonny was a graduate and valedictorian of Clyde High School, class of 1955.  He worked a few jobs as a young man until he got the job that would become his career.  In 1966 he became a patrolman for Fremont Police Department.  He spent many years as a detective during which he was instrumental in starting “Project Info”.  Long before the internet and cell phones, this was a way for Police to share information with other law enforcement agencies.  He climbed to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police and held that position until his retirement in 1992.

His retirement was short lived.  He taught Police Basics at Terra Community College and became the Bailiff and Chief Probation Officer at the Fremont Municipal Court.  Finally retiring completely in 2008.

Our dad helped and inspired countless lives but none more than his family.  He was our rock.  He lived life to the fullest.  Dad had a long love of model trains and enjoyed many years of camping.  His favorite hobby was watching his grandchildren grow up and flourish.  He had the privilege of meeting his great grandchildren and playing trains with them.  Our pain of losing dad is dulled in knowing that he and mom are together in heaven just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, with a service by the Fremont FOP at 6:45pm, at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, OH, 43420. Burial will be private for the family at McGormley Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Fremont FOP Lodge 35, 1013 Arlington Street, Fremont, OH, to be used for Shop with a Cop. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be the children of God.”  Matthew 5:9

Some heroes wear capes, ours wore a badge!

To express online condolences or to watch Sonny’s Tribute Video, please visit: www.hermanfh.com.