Stephen R. Jones, of Ferguson, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. He was 79. Celebration of Life details at the end.

My dad devoted more than 30 years of his life to teaching elementary school science, where he inspired generations of students with curiosity, patience and a deep appreciation for the natural world. He truly loved being a teacher and was popular with his students. He believed learning should be hands-on and wonder-filled, and brought that spirit into both his classroom and his home.

He was the beloved father of Sonja Jones and Stephanie Jones, and former husband of Hye Sun (Tina) Jones. He was also a proud grandfather to Jackie, 16, and Ollie, 14, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Stephen was a lifelong lover of music and craftsmanship. He enjoyed playing guitars, restoring and luthiering instruments, and collecting guitars from many eras and styles. His appreciation for music crossed all genres, and he could often be found listening closely to a favorite Fleetwood Mac song or sharing stories connected to the guitars he treasured.

He also loved sharing stories about his remarkable fossil collection gathered from around the world, reflecting his lifelong fascination with science, history and the earth. Some of his fossils he dug by hand locally alongside a paleontology professor friend.

Stephen was an artist who loved drawing and photography. He built his own dark room. He was a true renaissance man who could repair and build just about anything. He once built a futon frame for his daughter Sonja that she used all around the country for many years. He taught both of his daughters how to change the oil in their cars, and taught Stephanie how to sew — passing along practical skills with patience and care.

Stephen was a free spirit who loved the outdoors and was an accomplished orienteer who won many awards over the years. In the winter, he would famously put Crisco on his face while running so his sweat would not freeze in the cold — one of the many uniquely “Steve” solutions that family and friends lovingly remember.

He lived life on his own terms, had an offbeat sense of humor and loved doing things in his own unique way. He enjoyed rock and gem shows, movies, elaborate handmade Halloween costumes, and dressing up as characters like the Tin Man. He enjoyed playing pool with his brother Rog, playing Tetris, watching The Three Stooges, and introducing his daughters to Monty Python.

Stephen was always surrounded by cherished friends and his pets. People and animals naturally gravitated toward him. He never hesitated when someone needed help. He was always there for people.

He will be remembered for his generous spirit, intelligence, quirky sense of humor, creativity, bold individuality, dedication to education, and the deep love he held for his family, students, friends, pets and passions.

Stephen’s memory will live on through his daughters, grandsons, former wife and students, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

We will have a celebration of life at Greensfelder Memorial Shelter at Creve Coeur Park by the lake at 10:30am on Friday (sharing of stories begins at 11am): 13236 Streetcar Dr, Saint Louis, MO, 63146