RAPID CITY- Elbert Purcy Jones, Jr., 72, died Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Golden Living Center-Black Hills. Elbert was born on May 7, 1940, in Darling Mississippi, to Elbert Purcy Jones Sr. and Nellie (Cross) Jones. In 1973 he married Ane Anita Pedersen. Family was always important to Elbert. He and his wife operated a group home and at one time would house up to eight children plus four of their own. Elbert served 23 years in the United States Air Force. He played an integral part in the search and rescue and recovery of the June, 1972 flood in Rapid City. He also worked on the oil fields in Saudi Arabia. Elbert had many hobbies which included fishing in the hills, playing card games, gambling in Deadwood, traveling, and listening to jazz music. He was an avid collector of many different coins and stamps. Elbert loved holidays and any occasion that involved food. His children will always remember him for being a loving father and keeping a strict house. Elbert's philosophy on life was serenity, peace, love, and treating everyone equally. Survivors include three sons: Claude W. Jones, Germany; Dennis R. Jones, Arnegard, ND; and Christian A. Jones, Arnegard, ND; a daughter, Belinda Jones; Rapid City; two sisters: Jean Rose and Dora Peeler, both of Chicago, IL; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Chaplain (Ret.) H. B. Cleveland officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, at Black Hills National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard. A funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. His online guestbook is available to sign at www.osheimschmidt.com.