Don Dennis Jones

Don Dennis Jones, 81, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away in his home on April 20, 2026.

He was born on April 22, 1944, in Kinmundy, Illinois to James R. and Nelda G. Jones.

He graduated from Kinmundy-Alma High School, received his B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University.

After graduating, he joined the Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department (ABE) at Purdue doing teaching, research, and extension work. His research particularly focused on environmental issues, and he collaborated with a number of faculty members from Purdue and other midwestern universities on publications which resulted in several awards for both content and teamwork. His extension work involved assisting producers with livestock production and waste management and rural homeowners with onsite residential wastewater issues. He also worked with several graduate students to develop interactive environmental education programs aimed towards K-12 students, which were made available on the US EPA website.

In his personal life, he enjoyed reading, carpentry, and traveling, as well as participating in the Lafayette Kiwanis Club. He most enjoyed being with his wife of 57 years, Hiromi, and his daughter, Jo, both of whom survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three siblings: James, Nina, and Lila.

A visitation will be held on May 2, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Soller-Baker Funeral Home (West Lafayette Chapel), with brief remarks around 2:30 pm.

Friends and relatives who want to share anecdotes of their time with him are encouraged to do so.

Memorials may be made to the Purdue Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering or to the charity of your choice.