Walter "Walt" Jones, 82, died Monday at the Riverview Manor in Flandreau following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Walter Victor was born on April 23, 1926 in Albert Lea, MN to Rev. Harry and Bessie (Eastman) Jones, Sr. His parents served as missionaries which gave Walt the opportunity to spend his childhood in various places. Walt attended Pipestone Indian School and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1946. He entered the US Army on June 30, 1945 and was honorably discharged on August 3, 1951. During his service time Walt served in WWII and the Korean Conflict and received a WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Ribbon and the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star. Governor Bill Janklow proclaimed July 15, 2000 as Walter V. Jones Day and Walt received a 50th Anniversary Korean Conflict Patch and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Following his service time Walt used the GI Bill to attend the Flandreau Indian Vocational School and studied Masonry. He married Elaine M. (Traversie) Miles on January 3, 1953 in Pipestone, MN. Walt was a bricklayer until 1962; then he started his career with the BIA at the Flandreau Indian School and retired in 1986 as a Utilities System Foreman. His wife preceded him in death on August 15, 1998. After retiring Walt took on the full time job of golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling and camping. Walt enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skills as well as his love of dogs with his grandchildren. He unselfishly volunteered his time to community endeavors. As a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, Walt served as a church elder and caretaker of the church and grounds. His faith was reflected through his generosity. Walt was a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Kelley-Porter American Legion Post #70, was current Commander of Gordon Weston Indian Veterans Post and the Elks. He will long be remembered for his varied assortment of "Waltisms".

Walt is survived by one son, Fred (Karen) Jones, Bozeman, MT; seven daughters, Renee Jones, St. Paul, MN, Denise Goodface, Aberdeen, SD, Leslie Anne Tso, Aberdeen, SD, Viola Ross, Mona Miles, Roxee Johnson, and Kim (Steve) Patterson, all of Flandreau; 17 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John (JoAnn) Jones, Sioux Falls, Gordon (Judy) Jones, Flandreau and one sister, Pearl Wakeman, Flandreau. Walt is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; son, Robert; his parents; brothers, Harry Jr., Richard and a sister, Elaine.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in Flandreau with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin Wednesday at 5 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.