Loren William "Duke" Jones

Loren “Duke” Jones, 75, of Oregonia, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026. He was born on August 30, 1950, in West Carrollton, Ohio, to Vivian Albert and Lawrence Jones.

Growing up in West Carrollton and Beavercreek, Duke was known for his mechanical and musical abilities, his strong work ethic, quick wit, and his willingness to help anyone in serious need. He graduated from West Carrollton High School and helped form and play in the band “The Guardsmen.” He could play guitar, drums, trumpet, and bass, and the band toured the tri‑state area, performing and writing Chicago‑style music.

Duke went on to build a long and dedicated career in county government. He first served as an ambulance driver, then as a firefighter, and later in law enforcement, where he progressed to motorcycle patrol, cruiser patrol, and crime scene investigation. He also worked undercover with the Montgomery County CANE Task Force in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His pre-retirement role at the Sheriff’s Department was serving court papers. Throughout his career, he was respected for his dedication to upholding the law, his bold take-charge demeanor, his extroverted personality, his leadership, craftsmanship, and professional integrity. After retirement, he went on to start Trailblazer Computer Repair and later AA Lawnman Lawn Care Service. He was also a Freemason under the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

He greatly appreciated music, notably James Brown, and attended many of his concerts throughout the 1960s. Remarkably mechanical, Duke could fix just about anything, big or small. He enjoyed lively conversation and held strong views on many subjects. He especially valued the law, individuality, following one’s dreams, and tenacity. He also had an affection for animals, which seemed naturally drawn to him.

Outside of work, Duke treasured riding his Harley and attending many riders’ gatherings, and he once rode the perimeter of the United States on his motorcycle. He helped form a motorcycle safety group and was interviewed on AM radio and local news reports several times. He enjoyed rooting for the Bengals and sharing meals with family. He especially treasured Harley rides with and without his wife, good music, comedy and old TV shows that reminded him of his childhood growing up in the 1950s.

Friends and family will remember him for being light‑hearted and funny, yet also serious and cantankerous at times; sometimes crass but also supportive when it counted; his quirky sense of humor; his haughty laugh; and his forceful presence, as well as his ability to find humor even in extremely difficult times. He always shared stories upon stories and loved “putting on” for people—joking around and making others laugh.

.Duke is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marian Saunders Jones of Oregonia; his son Michael (Julie) Jones of Kettering, his step-daughter Amy Fessler (Todd Harnish) of Troy, Ohio; Ohio; step-son Doug Fessler of Sidney, Ohio; his grandchildren, John-Michael Azar, Logan (Dustin) Fessler, Danielle Beatty, Eliana Fessler and three great grandsons. his sister, Judy Dull of Dayton, Ohio; nieces, nephews and other family members, Aaron (little), Aaron (big), Hunter, Christy Smith and Tim Johnson of Dayton, Ohio; as well as special friends, Chuck and Marylou Farmer; Harry “Hairless” Mueller; Greg "Tex" Textor.. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Jones Beatty; his sister Janice Jones‑Farmer; his brother Larry Jones and (Lynn); and his parents Vivian Jones and Lawrence Jones and his faithful K9 companion Takoda.

A celebration of Duke’s life will be held at a later date and location, to be announced. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project Cause in his honor.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at The Atrium in Middletown, Ohio—especially nurses Stephanie and Amber—and to the nurses and staff at the care center, especially Laurice and Crystal, for their exceptional care, kindness, and dedication in serving his needs and going above and beyond during his final days.

Arrangements by the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon.