Dale Linus Jones
February 27, 1954 ~ May 5, 2024
Born in: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Dale L. Jones, 70, passed away on May 5, 2024 at home in Franklin with his family at his side.
Born on February 27, 1954, he was the son of the late Donald Lee and Donna Lorraine (Irwin) Jones.
He was a 1972 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. On June 15, 1974, he married the love of his life, Sonya Jane Shorts and she survives.
Dale worked as a machinist for 56 years at the family owned Venango Machine Products in Reno. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was the best Papa and even let the kids listen to Jimmy Horton's Battle of New Orleans. He liked to feed the wildlife such as the birds but was most proud of hand feeding deer apples and bird seed to the turkey. He rarely went without a daily ride around Two-Mile Run and watched American Pickers and old movies nobody else liked.
Left to cherish his memory along with his wife, Sonya, are his sons, Dale R. Jones and his wife, Amy, of Franklin and Jason Jones and his wife, Heather, of Utica; his grandchildren, Dawson Jones and his wife, Ellie, of Emlenton, Lindsey Burchfield of Utica, Conner Jones of Franklin, and Drew Jones of Utica; his siblings Dan Jones and his wife, Cookie, of Anderson, South Carolina, Carol Jones of Franklin, Debby Irwin and her husband, Alvin, Jr., of Franklin, and Donnie Jones and his wife, Annette, of Franklin; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Monica Forehand and her husband, Garey, of Arizona; and his brothers-in-law, Larry Shorts and his wife, Nikki, of Arizona, Ernie Shorts and his wife, Kim, of Cooperstown, and Ed Shorts and his wife, Lori, of Conneaut Lake.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Duane Jones; his mother-in-law, Emily Shorts; and his brother-in-law, Tom Shorts.
Family and friends are invited on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services for Dale will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 11:00 am with Pastor Fred Frye officiating.
Dale will be laid to rest at Cooperstown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Dale's name to Duck's Unlimited at https://donate.ducks.org/ and/or the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Dale's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.








Aunt Sonya, Dale, and Jason,
What difficult times for your family to lose someone like Uncle Dale. Josh and I always enjoyed listening to his hunting stories—he had a great way of telling them. One of our favorite “hunting” stories was about Uncle Dale protecting his bird feeder from some unwanted predator and how it hung around even after Uncle Dale had “taken care of things”. Still laughing about it now!
Families are made of lots different personalities and Uncle Dale’s was uniquely his.
Much Love and Prayers,
Lindsey, Josh, and Reed
The departure of the loving Dale, the steadfast anchor of our family, has left a void that time will struggle to fill. We find solace in the memories we were lucky enough to forge with him and commit to cherishing those forever. Despite his absence, his light continues to guide us every day. Our enduring love for him remains as strong as ever. His soul is now set free but he shall always remain deeply embedded in our hearts.
He will truly be missed. Loved traveling to the Michigan races with him. He always welcomed us when we came to visit and loved being able to spend time and relax sitting out by the fire at night. Garey loves going fishing with him and our best trip was going to Sanibel island and walking the beaches. RIP Dale and catch some big fish and give mom a big hug for us! 🥰🙏. Garey and Monica
Jan and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sonya and the entire family
My condolences to Dale’s family… I knew Dale from working at Venango Machine…he was a nice guy
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. I remember Dale from our days as students at Rocky Grove High School. Although his passing will leave a void in your lives that will never be filled, I sincerely hope your happy memories will bring you a small measure of comfort and peace. Please know that my thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with your family at this sad and difficult time.
Rosalyn (Walker) Miller
Sonya, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dale. Please know that you and your family are being lifted in prayer during this difficult time.
Karen Johnson
Donation to DU. We love you all so much. ❤️
We were so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. May God’s and the love of family and friends give you strength and comfort.
I am soooooo sorry to hear this news. Sonja you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending healing, comfort, and peace your way. ♥️
I am sorry to hear about Dale’s passing. I did not hear about it until late Tuesday. I was unable to attend Wednesday due to medical procedure in Erie. I had the privilege of working for Venango Machine and knowing Dale for 45 years. He was a wonderful person and I send my sympathy to Sonya and his sons Bonnie Rodgers
Dearest Dale’s Family:
Whether it was Double Dating, Motorcycle Touring, Fishing, Softball, Hunting, Tying Flies, Paling around and all of what we have done together, HE WAS ALWAYS MY BEST BUDDY‼️ My Condolences 🙏 to each and every one of YOU.
Love and God Bless
Danny