Lonnie Travail Jones, Writer, Composer, & Singer

Lonnie Travail Jones was born on December 23, 1951, in Sewickley, PA, to Cleveland Jones and Lydia Jones. He passed away May 11, 2023, in Providence, RI. He graduated from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in 1970. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and his master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Lonnie was a contractor to the U.S. government as a financial analyst until he retired in 2020.

Lonnie had many gifts. One of his true loves was music. He was a writer, a composer, a singer, and he played the piano and guitar. He had a band when he was in high school, but set music aside during his college years. In 2013 Lonnie wrote and composed a song called “Indian Lucy” for his debut CD on which he collaborated with his youngest daughter, Korbyn. Lonnie was a musical genius, and was naturally inspired by other great music and composers. Among the genres he loved were classical and jazz. He also loved to dance!

Lonnie was a self-starter and enjoyed being spontaneous. He also loved to travel and particularly enjoyed taking family vacations. He was a hilarious, caring, loving, kind person with a free spirit. He read avidly as a means of acquiring knowledge and understanding. He had a mind of his own and had the gift of gab, but could also be observant and reserved. You could talk to him about anything, and he was a great listener. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his children and family. Every encounter with Lonnie left a lasting impression of how wise and knowledgeable he was.

Lonnie coached youth basketball teams including that of his youngest daughter. According to Korbyn “Lonnie was the best dad in the entire world and loved his family and friends for life. He was a protector!”

He was predeceased by his father, Cleveland Jones, and his sister, Karen Jones. He leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Kira Davis (Mark) and Korbyn Jones; grandchildren Scott Davis and Ruby Davis; siblings Gerald Jones (Diane) and Cynthia Dargin (Jack); and a host of beloved family and friends. Lonnie Travail Jones was a true gift to all who knew him.

Services will be held at Greater Framingham Community Church, 44 Franklin St, Framingham, on Saturday, May 20, at 11 AM. A viewing will precede the service beginning at 10 AM. A reception will follow at Elks Lodge of Natick, MA, at 12:45PM.