Steve Howard Jones, 68, a 36-year resident of Oak Park, died on June 15, 2020. Born in Chicago on Sept. 17, 1951 to the late Harry and Marcella nee Harden Jones, he was raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he graduated with honors from Wendell Phillips High School. He was awarded a full academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he received his bachelor’s degree in English/Education, followed by a master’s degree in Education Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
He married Denise Galberth in 1983 and the couple moved to Oak Park in 1984, the same year they welcomed their only son, Brandon Howard Jones, to the world. Steve enjoyed a 37-year career teaching for Chicago Public Schools, most recently at John W. Garvy Elementary School, before retiring in 2010. In addition to his teaching career, he was a teacher/mentor, community activist, and gang intervention worker at an after-school program for underprivileged youth and young adults at Saint Elizabeth Drexel Center for 15 years. Passionate about golf, biking, physical fitness, photography, gardening, and taking walks with his wife, he was also a longtime member of Judson Baptist Church of Oak Park. Beyond his accomplishments, he was most known for his selfless, kind, and genuine spirit.
Steve Jones is survived by his wife, Denise, and his son, Major (USA) Brandon H. Jones, DDS; his siblings, Marcella Jones, Harry (Pamela) Jones, Marlana Jones, Jeffrey Jones and Debra Marie Jones; his brother-in-law, Steve (Theresa) Galberth; and nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and his dog Dakota.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of gifts, please send any donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
