JONES, Milton Oren, former President of Pasco-Hernando State College, passed away at his home on January 28, 2024. He was 90 years old. Milt was an educator, soldier, counselor, choral director and soloist, and life-long public servant. Born in Largo, Milt was the son of W.A. and Aletha Jones. Milt graduated as Valedictorian of Largo High School, received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University, his Masters Degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Florida State University. In 1972, he was selected as the founding President of Pasco-Hernando State College, a position he held for 24 years. PHSC started from his dining room table and grew to three campuses and two satellite locations during his tenure. The "Milton O Jones Student Services Building" on the West Campus of PHSC was named in his honor following his retirement. Milt was commissioned as an Infantry Officer at Stetson, served two years on active duty with the 25th Infantry Division, and more than 28 years with the Florida National Guard. He held numerous command positions, culminating as a Colonel and Deputy Brigade Commander. Milt is a graduate of the Army War College and was awarded the Expert Infantrymans Badge, the Legion of Merit, and the Florida Cross for military service. Milt spent his life devoted to community service. He and his wife, Alice, were active Rotarians. After serving locally in Rotary leadership for many years as President of his Dade City club and Governor for District 6950, Milt went on to become a Director of Rotary International. He and Alice traveled extensively with Rotary, including more than fifteen international trips. Milt also traveled several times to Haiti to assist in building a much-needed hospital. District 6950 established the "Milton O. and Alice Jones Outstanding Rotarian Award," a prestigious award that is given annually in their honor. Milt is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alice, grown children Kathy Lewis, Kenneth Jones Sr. (Helen), Scott Jones, and Lara Tibbals (Wesley), grown step-children Ann Pirttima (Eric), Lynda Furney, and Nancy Brown (Gene). He had ten grandchildren, Jessica Smith, Kenneth Jones Jr. (Wendy), Joshua Lewis (Jessica), Jason Lewis (Celia), Jennifer Mullet, Cannon, Briggs and Claire Tibbals, Madden and Pryce Jones, and five step-grandchildren, Andrew Pirttima (Shelby), Alicia Murphy, Dillon Crossgrove, Lance Furney, and Christopher Brown (Jamie), as well as eight great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Milt is also survived by his brother Philip Jones (Peggy), and many more wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Dee Jones, and his brother, Ronnie Jones. The family will receive visitors on February 10, 2024 at Hodges Funeral Home, 11441 U.S. Hwy 301 in Dade City, from 10:00-11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 am. All are invited. A private burial service will be held at a later date at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Dr. Milton O. Jones Scholarship at the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation. Donations can be made online at giving.phsc.edu or by mail to the PHSC Foundation at 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Visitation Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) Saturday, February 10, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Funeral Service Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) Saturday, February 10, 2024 11:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525