With a heavy heart that we find, Laverne Jones, Sr. passed on August 12, 2020. Upon notification of his death, I ordered all Village flags to be lowered to half-mast until his burial.
Laverne has been a long time resident within the Town of Mohawk, who volunteered his time to both Town and the Village of Fonda. He was a charter member of the Town of Mohawk Fire Department and is a Past Chief of that Fire Department. His relations go back many years in assisting the Village in many ways. One of the most important ways he helped the Village was through an agreement that allowed the Village of Fonda access on his family farm to our main water reservoir supplying the Village residents with an abundance of water for years to come.
Through his children, we see that he instilled not only a work ethic but a calling to volunteer and assist others when help is needed, and this is how he conducted his life as well. On a personal note, my very own father enjoyed visits with the Laverne and his family, allowing him to rekindle his memories of working on the farm when he was a young man. As always, Laverne was the most gracious host, and with great pride, he enjoyed showing my dad the new methods of farming and the equipment utilized. I always shared a great friendship with Mr. Jones, and as a former Town Justice, I was given the honor in the rekindling of his love for his wife Antoinette through the renewal of their vows to one another.
We will always remember Laverne for his contributions to our communities. On behalf of all of us at the Village of Fonda, I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fire members.
Sincerely,
Bill Peeler, Mayor
