- Date Of Birth: January 30, 1930
- Date Of Death: February 21, 2023
- State: Maryland
Carl Raymond Jones lived an abundant life of 93 years, filled with loved ones, great adventure and purpose. On Tuesday, February 21st, he went Home to be with the LORD. He was born in the era of the Traditionalist Generation in January 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Beulah Dantagnan and Paul Jones. The man who raised him is the father he revered, John L. Dantagnan.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Jones, his two sons, Donald Jones (2012) and Edward Jones (1991), as well as his siblings, Paul Jones, Jay Jones, Betty Mitchell and John Dantagnon Jr.
He will be dearly missed by his children: Brenda (Neal) Katz, Ron Jones, Ray (JoAnne) Jones, Terry (Dewy) Harmon, Linda Jones and Ricky Jones. 19 blessed Grandchildren: Sam (Brand), Gabe (Tiffany), Brittany, Christy, Dani, Madi, Amber, Bobby (Lauren), Kelly, Cole, Brooke, Lindsay, Kimmi (Anthony), Sarah (Dominic), Ashley (Mike), Nicky, Brendan, Chase, and Emma. 14 treasured Great Grandchildren: Peyton, Mia, Lizzie, Gemma, Vinny, Carmella, Gianna, Miles, Ace, Christopher, Chloe, Ella, Cora, and Noah. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Diane Dantagnon as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
As a young boy, Carl’s family moved to Washington D. C. while the nation was embroiled in WWII and times were hard. Carl remembers needing to help his family meet expenses. He catapulted into the world of work, realizing that “you make more money in business not working for someone else”. This lesson spawned the entrepreneurial spirit which would define his life.
At the age of 21 Carl was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War, assigned to the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, Light Infantry Division; he was honorably discharged as a Corporal. While abroad he attended the University of Maryland, Berlin. Later he would pursue a masters in engineering and building.
After serving his country, he met a petite friendly gal named Norma, who was “cute as a button” and loved her as his wife for 55 years, until her passing. They raised 8 children who would attend the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic parish school, where Carl and Norma sang in the choir and Carl coached OLOS CYO football. Many friendships were forged in this community.
Their life journey was filled with creative aspirations, taking risks and adventures that would wind up taking them across the nation and around world. They built their own dream home with their own hands. Carl later opened seafood shops, specializing in crabs, shrimp and Cajun cuisine. But, one of Carl’s most noted endeavors was inventing and patenting the cryogenic process for freezing and shipping crabs and other crustaceans which is used internationally. His passions and hobbies included: crabbing, boating, fishing, hunting, sunning in Ocean City, discussing politics and history, destination cruising, skiing, singing and playing piano and the harmonica, football, crossword puzzles, the lottery, a good hot coffee, cold beer, steamed crabs, a Chick Fil A sandwich meal with root beer and being surrounded by great people. He loved God and this nation!
Carl and Norma later attended St. Louis Catholic Church of Clarksville, Md. After being widowed, Carl resided in Leisure World, Silver Spring until his passing.
The family would like to express deepest gratitude to our sister Linda, the myriad of family, friends and medical caregivers and the Olney Chic Fil A employees who took this final Sentimental Journey with our father, providing exceptional dignified care, compassion, friendship, patience and humor! For all who loved our father and instilled joy into his life experience, you made it rich and meaningful beyond measure. He considered our cousin , “Davy Baby”, his 9th child, and we cannot thank him enough. Bless you all!
