Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home Ralph O. The History of Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home has been part of Lafayette County for approximately 150 years. and Irene O.
(1)

Jones Funeral Home is a full service family owned funeral home located in Odessa, Missouri serving our surrounding areas in Lafayette, Northern Johnson, and Eastern Jackson counties. First known as Chris Wagner & Sons, it began in the Mount Hope Community, located just south of Odessa, in the mid-1800’s. The family owned business offered a variety of services including milling cabinets, furniture and undertaking. In 1878, the railroad came to Odessa and offered new possibilities for Lafayette County. Later that year, Chris Wagner brought his business, which he still operated with his sons, to Odessa. The small company operated in a building near the new railroad tracks, located at the corner of Mail Street and 2nd. Ben Blincoe and his sons, Clifton and Horace, bought the business from the Wagner family in 1902 and founded Blincoe & Sons. They continued all facets of the company, undertaking, cabinet making and furniture at 101 South Main Street. Shortly there-after, downtown Odessa suffered a large fire and the one-story building burned. However, the Blincoe family re-built, replacing the small building with a large, modern two-story building which became known simply as the “Blincoe Building” to Odessans. Tragedy struck the Blincoe family in 1953 and 1954 when Ben, Horace and Clifton all passed away within months. Jones bought the furniture store and undertaking business from Mrs. Myrtle Blincoe in 1954 and continued operating out of the “Blincoe Building.” On January 2, 1958 they moved the undertaking business and their six small children to the current location of 306 South Second Street. The home already had a rich history, built in 1906 by County Commissioner Judge Tom Gann for his private residence. In 1988, Ralph O. Jones passed away and Mrs. Irene O. Jones sold the business to their son, Larry P. and his wife, Carole. They raised their two small children while remodeling the funeral home in three stages and expanding the parking lots. Stephen Fuller purchased the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home from Larry P. and Carole J. Jones in August, 2009. Austin Ledford is the Managing Funeral Director and oversees the day to day operations of the funeral home. Austin, his wife Christy and their two children moved to Odessa in October of 2010. Christy is the Managing Pharmacist at the Grain Valley Red Cross Pharmacy. Larry “Harpo” Jones is still an active part-time assistant with the funeral home, assisting with visitations and funerals. Robert Simmons is also a funeral assistant with the funeral home, Robert assist with the funerals, visitations, and many other duties around the funeral home when he is available. The Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home is not just a building. It’s a continuation of a Lafayette County tradition that began approximately 150 years ago. Family owned, family operated and community-centered. We don’t just work here, we live here. This is where our history was and where our future will be.

10/28/2025
Today is Navy Day! With a history dating back to 1775 and including many illustrious historical figures, the Navy has a ...
10/27/2025

Today is Navy Day! With a history dating back to 1775 and including many illustrious historical figures, the Navy has a lot to be proud of. Do you know any sailors who are currently serving or served in the past? We'd love to join you in honoring their commitment and sacrifice.

10/27/2025

Today is Visit a Cemetery Day! Whether you want to honor a loved one's life or simply take part in history, consider sto...
10/26/2025

Today is Visit a Cemetery Day! Whether you want to honor a loved one's life or simply take part in history, consider stopping by the local cemetery for a moment. Say a few words and honor the lives of those who came before us because their lives brought us to who we are today.

Are you looking for a way to help a grieving child express their feelings this fall? Children are often very interested ...
10/24/2025

Are you looking for a way to help a grieving child express their feelings this fall? Children are often very interested in arts and crafts, so these 10 remembrance crafts may be just what you need. Click the link to learn more!

Are you looking for a creative way to help your grieving child express their feelings this fall season? Check out these 10 remembrance crafts!

As we age, our bodies slow down and just can’t do what they used to do. But a physical therapist can help! Check out thi...
10/22/2025

As we age, our bodies slow down and just can’t do what they used to do. But a physical therapist can help! Check out this article to discover how a little PT can go a long way to making you feel more mobile, more flexible, more balanced, and even more coordinated.

The benefits of physical therapy for older adults range from falls prevention to increased mobility and flexibility that can help you stay active. Learn more about what a physical therapist is, how to choose one, and how to prepare for your first PT appointment.

It’s Family History Month! What’s the funniest, weirdest, or happiest thing you know about your family’s history (if you...
10/21/2025

It’s Family History Month! What’s the funniest, weirdest, or happiest thing you know about your family’s history (if you’re willing to share)?

Don't forget to RSVP if you are joining us tonight!
10/21/2025

Don't forget to RSVP if you are joining us tonight!

Applying for Social Security benefits after the death of a loved one can feel both overwhelming and confusing. This easy...
10/17/2025

Applying for Social Security benefits after the death of a loved one can feel both overwhelming and confusing. This easy guide shares helpful information on eligibility, what documents you need to gather, and where you can find answers to your questions!

After the death of a loved one, especially a spouse, you may be eligible to receive certain Social Security benefits. Click to learn more!

Bernard Martin “Bernie” O’Brien, 80, of Odessa, Missouri passed away October 14, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Home in Warr...
10/15/2025

Bernard Martin “Bernie” O’Brien, 80, of Odessa, Missouri passed away October 14, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.

A Rite of Committal with Military Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Greenton Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to West Central Missouri Veterans Assistance League or ACG Hospice. Memories of Bernie and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Bernie was born on January 20, 1945, in Parsons, Kansas to James M. and Lucille (Scahill) O’Brien. In 1963, he graduated from St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Boonville, Missouri. After high school, Bernie honorably served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Bernie retired from Union Pacific as a switchman, conductor and yardmaster for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. George Catholic Church. Bernie was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Bernie found great joy in collecting model railroad cars. If Bernie wasn’t found tinkering around the house and cars, he would be spending his days with his loving family who he cherished dearly.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Judy Ann Christian O’Brien of Odessa, MO; two children, Elisa (Travis) O’Brien-Werths of Odessa, MO and Jamie (Antonio) O’Brien of Brazil; two grandchildren, Austin O’Brien and Kadee Werths; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Along with both his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by two children, Christian O’Brien and Brianne O’Brien-Mitchell; three sisters, Janet Bower, Anita Knettle, and Karen Weimholt; two brothers, James J. O’Brien and Reggie O’Brien.

Address

306 S 2nd Street
Odessa, MO
64076

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18166335524

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category