Kenneth Jones

Kenneth Jones was born on April 16, 1954, to the late Curlee and Doretha Jones in Bakersfield, California. Throughout his youth, he attended several local schools, including Bessie Owens Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield College in Bakersfield. Where his intelligence, charm, and athletic talents quickly became evident. A proud graduate of Bakersfield High School, Kenneth was a standout athlete for the Drillers. His passion and skill lit up the basketball court, but his talents didn’t stop there—he also excelled in football, baseball, and track. Kenneth was the kind of teammate and friend whose encouragement lifted others and whose determination inspired many.

After high school, Kenneth carried the same dedication and work ethic into his adult life. He was a hardworking man who believed in doing things the right way—with integrity, humility, and quiet strength. Kenneth proudly worked for the Millwright Carpenters Union, Bakersfield Local 743, where he dedicated many years of skilled labor and craftsmanship. Through his work, he earned the respect of his peers and built a legacy of excellence in every project he touched. Kenneth retired honorably in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of reliability and pride in a job well done. Kenneth was known for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering positivity. He never had a harsh word for anyone and lived his life with grace and humility. He had a passion or good food, music, fishing, and playing poker and table games with family and friends. He was also the cherished Historian of the family, known for remembering names, dates, and stories that connected generations.

In July 1979, Kenneth married Ruth Allen Wright, his beloved friend, companion, and the love of his life. Their bond of 45 years was rooted in deep love, respect, and friendship. Together, they built a beautiful life and lovingly cherished five amazing children: Raymond Carl Francisco (57), Derayne Levon Jones (52), Devon Lavelle Jones (52), Roshawn Odessa Rugnao (50), and Windie LaShell Robinson-Jones (46). Kenneth took great pride in his role as a husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.

Kenneth was honored to have thirteen beautiful grandchildren, Raylyn Carl Francisco(38) & wife Genevieve M. Francisco (34), Kiara Angelina Rugnao (34), Brian James Francisco (30), Alizay Marie Jones (29), Vanessa Rae Francisco (28), Tyreana Mechele Jones (28), Richard Alan Brown (25) & wife Kailyn Brown (25), Cymone T’Anna Rugnao (25), Michael James Rugnao (25), Kenneth Faustino Rugnao (24), Jordan Lorely Francisco (21), and Cianna LaShell Riggins (17).

Eighteen Great-grandchildren, Jaylyn Carl Francisco (19), Kylen David Anthony Francisco (17), Saray Renee Francisco (15), Cayden Jermaine Francisco (14), Camiah Ray Francisco (9), Amari Renae Raney (8), Alaina J. Horton Brown (7), Blayke Ruth Francisco (7), Kingston Alan Brown (6), Naomi Dior Raney (5), Nia Francisco (4), Nylah Francisco (4), Kamille Annaleigh Brown (4), Ramsey Jae Francisco (2), Kalayah Annaleah Brown (2), Kaliyah Bria-Jaide Francisco (1), Romeo Azaniyah Brown (9mos) & Amais James Teague (4 mo.)

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Curlee and Doretha Jones, sister Lillie May Givan, brother, Eddie Lee Jones Sr. & wife Ruby Stein Jones, and brother, Curtis Ray Jones, Brother & sister-in-law Alonzo & Francis Ray Robinson, Sister-in-law Johnnie Mae Wright, Brother-in-laws Albert Cordell Raphael, Archie Lee Wright, Willie Bruce Wright, Melvin Allen Wright and Jackie Lee Wright.

He leaves to cherish and honor his legacy, wife Ruth Jones, of Bakersfield, CA. Children, Raymond Francisco, Derayne Jones, RoShawn Rugnao, of Bakersfield, CA, and son Devon Jones of San Diego, CA, and daughter Windie LaShell Robinson-Jones of Seattle, Washington. Ten grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren. Sister, Delores Raphael, brother Larry & wife Sharon Jones, all of Bakersfield. Sister & brother-in-law, Epifania & Johnny Kelley, Brother & sister-in-law Vernon & Taniya Wright, all of Bakersfield, CA, brother-in-law Larry Anthony Wright Bakersfield, Ca and Joe Givan of Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.