Delmar Clyde Jones

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Jones family announce the passing of our kind, caring, funny, and unimaginable selfless husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, Delmar Clyde Jones. He was 95 years old. Delmar was born on December 2nd, 1927, to Lale and Grace Jones in Longmont, Colorado. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1946. He was on the Trojan News staff, involved in school plays and chief justice. He began flying planes through the ROTC. At the young age of 17 he was the first flying student to solo take off from the Longmont Municipal airport southwest of Longmont. Frank Marquardt was his instructor. The solo flight was 8 hours and 20 minutes. Delmar then joined the Army. He spent 1 year in the occupation of Japan. He flew reconnaissance and became a master of using rice patties as a runway. Delmar left Japan the day before the Korean War. After his service, he attended Nebraska University for 1 year. This is where Delmar was introduced to roller skating and his passion for skating took off. Delmar moved back to Colorado and worked as a manager for the skating rink in Boulder. In 1950, he opened skating at the St.Vrain Memorial building. This is where he met the love of his life, JoAnn Schlagel. JoAnn’s father, Phil Schlagel, saw Delmar’s passion for skating and a business opportunity. Phil proposed to build a skating rink if Delmar would run it. In October of 1952, with help from Phil, Delmar opened South Main Roll-O-Rena #1. On September 10th, 1953, Delmar and JoAnn became husband and wife. They welcomed their first son, Allen, in 1955 and second son, Duane, in 1958. While running the skating rink, Delmar also helped with the farm on county line road until 1959. In 1960 the Jones’ moved to Colorado Springs and opened Skateland and Roll-o-Rena #2 in north Colorado Springs. In 1962, they welcomed a daughter, Doreen, into the world. The family of five moved back to Longmont in 1968. In 1970, Delmar opened another skating rink, Al-Du-Rena off south main. The name of this rink was a tribute to their three children. Sadly in 1971, Phil passed away. Delmar also juggled working for the school district for 5 years in bus services. In 1979, Delmar opened his last skating rink, Roll-O-Rena #3 off Sunset in Longmont. These skating rinks served as a haven for kids. He would allow them to come in after school. There were over a million kids that would attend sessions and participate in the sport. Delmar was a firm believer that everyone can take part in the sport. He himself was a silver medalist during his proficiency test. After retiring from the skating business, Delmar and JoAnn hit the road in their fifth wheel. They traveled the whole United States. Visiting Palm Springs in the winter became an annual affair. During his time traveling he took up several hobbies. He began wood carving, painting, and discovered a skill of carving golf balls. He carved over 700 golf balls and Channel 9 news highlighted his talent. He also enjoyed time with his adult kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He looked forward to the annual Schlagel Family picnic. Delmar and JoAnn moved to Berthoud, CO in 2007. Where he continued crafts and spending time with family. Delmar will be remembered for all the heart he shared with everyone around him. He was a generous, loyal man with strong values. He had a laugh and sense of humor that was one of a kind. No one was safe on April fool’s day. Delmar had great patience and would take the time to show anyone how to properly snap beans if you were willing to learn. He truly loved his family and friends. When his time came, he carried himself with strength and dignity. He will be missed dearly. Delmar is preceded in death by his parents, Lale and Grace Jones, his baby brother, Earnest Jones, and sister, Colleen Ramsey. Delmar is survived by his loving devoted wife of 70 years, JoAnn (Schlagel) Jones, his children: Allen (Mary) Jones, Duane Jones, Doreen (Kevin) Schmidt, his grandchildren: Josh (Candace) Jones, Jesse Jones, Jodel (Levi) Loukonen, Danny LeBeck and Taylor Brooks, his great grandchildren: Mason, Zaria, Grayson, and Nora, as well as several nieces and nephews. Celebration of life will take place at graveside in the Longmont Mountain View cemetery, 620 11th Ave, on October the 26th at 11 am. Reception to follow immediately at The American Legion,315 S. Bowen St. In remembrance of Delmar’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.